When Theft Happens Here, We All Pay the Price.

Organized theft impacts our entire community: prices go up, safety is threatened and some businesses have to move or closedown. Ventura County is taking action to protect what matters.

Impacts

The impacts of organized theft ripple through our entire community. Every stolen item adds up to lost jobs, higher prices, lost revenue, strained public resources, and safety concerns in neighborhoods across Ventura County.

Whether it’s coordinated retail theft, catalytic converter removal, or stolen cargo, these crimes have real consequences:

Higher costs for families and shoppers as businesses try to recover losses
Lost revenue that can lead to job cuts
Threats to employee and customer safety during in-store thefts
Lost tax revenue that funds schools, roads, and community services
Delays and disruptions in the delivery of essential goods
Small businesses forced to scale back or shut down

This task force was created to protect the everyday lives of Ventura County residents by reducing theft and holding offenders accountable.

See Enforcement Action

Myth vs. Reality

Myth: People are stealing to feed their families.

Reality: Most organized theft isn’t about food or survival, it’s about profit. Organized groups are targeting high-value and easy to sell items like tools, electronics, designer goods and alcohol to resell for cash, often as part of larger theft rings.

The impact? Higher prices, less-safe stores, and real damage to our local economy.