TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida authorities have arrested 44 individuals, including three undocumented immigrants, as part of a nationwide crackdown on organized retail theft. The multi-agency effort recovered more than $207,000 in stolen goods across the state, according to Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier.
The operation was part of a coordinated national retail theft blitz that targeted criminal networks responsible for large-scale shoplifting and organized retail crimes. In Florida, the initiative was carried out with the support of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and the Florida Organized Retail Crime Exchange (FORCE), a statewide intelligence-sharing network created to combat organized retail theft.
“Due to great coordination among our state law enforcement and the Florida Organized Retail Crime Exchange, 44 criminals were arrested as part of this nationwide organized retail theft blitz,” Uthmeier said. “The rule of law means something in Florida; this is another example of our state working with law enforcement to stop criminals.”
FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass emphasized the importance of interagency collaboration in the effort.
“FDLE was proud to take part in the National Organized Retail Crime Blitz in support of Attorney General Uthmeier’s initiative to crack down on retail crime across the state,” said Glass. “We are a law-and-order state, and together with our local and state partners, we are committed to protecting Florida’s businesses and communities.”
The suspects allegedly targeted a variety of retail stores and stole merchandise including personal care products, clothing, sporting goods, and home repair tools.
Florida Retail Federation President and CEO R. Scott Shalley praised the operation and the role of FORCE in helping to identify and track criminal activity.
“Florida’s retailers deeply value our strong partnership with law enforcement—our most important ally in the fight against organized retail crime,” Shalley said. “The success of this nationwide blitz, and Florida’s significant role in it, underscores the impact of collaboration through FORCE.”
Authorities say the arrests and asset recoveries are part of ongoing efforts to disrupt criminal organizations that exploit retail businesses across the country.
