Lexington police’s shoplifting blitz results in more than 50 people charged

Fifty-two people, ranging in age from 14 to 61, were charged from Dec. 9 to 11 as part of the Lexington Police Department’s annual winter shoplifting blitz.

This season’s shoplifting crackdown, called “Operation See You When You’re Stealing,” took place along the Nicholasville Road corridor, according to the police department. Officers and loss prevention personnel focused on thefts from various stores in the area.

Police arrested 47 people as part of the shoplifting blitz and recovered toys, clothing, electronics and grocery items that totaled $5,337.

“During the blitz, officers arrested some suspects who worked in pairs to carry out the alleged thefts,” police said in a release. “In other cases, suspects were seen attempting to conceal merchandise, removing security tags or simply trying to push a cart full of items quickly out of a store.”

The majority of the suspects were charged with theft, while other charges included burglary, possession of burglary tools and engaging in organized crime, police said.

Last year’s winter shoplifting blitz, called “Operation Fa La La Larceny,” resulted in 53 people charged and more than $8,000 in stolen property recovered.

This story was originally published December 19, 2019 at 2:15 PM.