San Diego County, CA: Suspects in 'High-End' SoCal Shoplifting Ring Busted; targeted Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister, Victoria's Secret and Gap
Four suspects in a high-end shoplifting ring were arrested Wednesday when authorities served search warrants in South San Diego, Chula Vista and the Lake Elsinore area. The arrests culminated an investigation that lasted more than two and a half months and involved 11 documented theft cases spanning three states and five counties in California. "The search warrants served were in support of the investigation of a series of thefts at high-end retail stores, led by Lorena Ramirez and Zakharias Karasoulas, both of whom have personally stolen an estimated total of over $700,000 since 2011," said Detective Rene Kirchhoefer. While serving the warrants, authorities recovered $12,000 worth of new and tagged retail merchandise. patch.com

$14,000 of Ammo stolen from Gander Mountain sold for Herion Addiction
Heroin sent Paul Goetz-Hoke, 28, and Daniel Ringle, 25, to prison, each for 18 months to five years, but not for possession of the drug. Both men stole thousands of dollars of items to support their drug addiction. Judge Bill O'Grady has warned the impact of the very addictive drug is not just to the user and families, but to the community as a whole. Goetz-Hoke pleaded guilty to first degree retail theft and organized crime - both five-year felonies. He and accomplice Kayla Wagoner,21, stole $14,419 worth of ammunition from Gander Mountain and sold it to Coldwater Gun and Pawn for cash so he could buy drugs. The thefts took place over 26 days in January, a box or two at a time. The pawn shop owner became suspicious and called Branch County prosecutor Ralph Kimble who notified police. Ringle stole $1,352 in liquor, four days in February, from the Marathon Station in Bronson. He told Bronson Police there was a "hit" out for him because of his drug debts. thedailyreporter.com

Mahwah, NJ: Mahwah Police arrest Bronx man suspected in Home Depot theft ring
On Tuesday Mahwah Police was on routine patrol and observed two motor vehicle violations being committed. Officer Boucher conducted a motor vehicle stop and spoke with the driver who was later identified as Keith E. Long, of the Bronx. Police also learned that the vehicle had a fictitious registration. Long was transported to headquarters for further investigation and his vehicle impounded. A search warrant was approved and a search of the vehicle was executed. Located in the vehicle were a large number of merchandise return cards from various Home Depot stores as well as numerous items which was later determined to have been stolen/shoplifted from Home Depot stores outside of New Jersey. bergendispatch.com

Polk County, FL: Polk County Deputies search for serial Shoplifter hitting area C-Stores
Polk deputies say the serial shoplifter hit this same store three times with little interest in the cash drawer. Investigators say he's more concerned with lining his stomach than his pockets. The suspect is seen on surveillance video stealing chips, soda, and honey buns. "On the third time he came in, he's just stuffing his pockets. The owner says, I've had enough of this and hit the button to lock his door," Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said Wednesday. Nothing was stopping this honey bun bandit from bolting. He's seen on surveillance video barreling through the store's door with his snacks in tow. While the crime may seem minimal, deputies say this suspect can't seem to satisfy his sweet tooth. They believe he's hit a number of convenience stores across Polk County. fox13news.com

Pinal County, AZ: Sheriff reports, Kyle Jason Linton of Phoenix was arrested Monday on suspicion of organized retail theft