Eight people have arrested, and a ninth is still being sought in connection with a organized retail theft ring which struck in 11 counties, including Ventura County.
State prosecutors say the ring targeted retail stores like Macy’s and Columbia Sportswear. They say the thieves stole hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of merchandise. To avoid being caught, they would hold the items, and then ship them overseas for sale.
The California Highway Patrol started an investigation last year which led to the identification of the suspects, and the arrests. An estimated $200,000 worth of stolen merchandise was also recovered.
