Wisconsin police arrest 9 in retail thefts, $3,200 stolen

JANESVILLE, Wis. (WTVO) — Police in Wisconsin have arrested 9 people in a rash of retail thefts to stores like Target, Walmart, Kohl’s, and more.

According to the Janesville Police Department, agents with the Wisconsin Organized Retail Crime Association worked with the Beloit Police Department to nab nine unidentified suspects in a series of crimes that resulted in over $3,200 worth of stolen merchandise.

“The Wisconsin Organized Retail Crime Association (WIORCA) is an organization that works with retailers, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and industry professionals to combat organized retail crime throughout Wisconsin,” police said. “Through its dedicated Task Force, WIORCA fosters partnerships, shares intelligence, and develops effective strategies to identify, investigate, and prosecute organized retail crime through collaboration. The Task Force conducts targeted enforcement operations to identify and disrupt organized retail crime activity, helping keep communities and businesses safe throughout the state.”

The stores that participated in the operation were  Target, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Kohls, Sephora, Home Depot, Menards, Hy-Vee, Ulta, Blain’s Farm and Fleet, Walgreens, Finish Line, TJX, Old Navy and Kwik Trip. 

According to police, the success of the operation will lead to future efforts to arrest criminals involved in retail theft.