Wanted parolee among 5 nabbed in El Cerrito retail theft sting, hundreds in stolen merch recovered

(KRON) — El Cerrito police said five suspects were arrested — including a wanted parolee — and more than $1,500 in stolen merchandise were recovered during a retail theft sting Thursday.

The targeted operation took place at the Marshall’s and CVS stores in El Cerrito Plaza, which also stopped four thefts in progress, according to police.

Police confirmed, “One of the individuals arrested was a wanted parolee with multiple prior theft convictions. Another suspect, who initially provided a false name, was found to have an outstanding warrant for grand theft and was in possession of fentanyl.”

The recovered items were returned to the businesses.

“Organized retail theft is not a victimless crime — it harms workers, business owners, and residents alike,” said El Cerrito police in a news release. “We will continue to conduct focused operations like this in the future, particularly as we approach the busy holiday season.”