Benjamin Ashford|19 adults, 3 teens accused in massive retail-theft ring at Target stores

Authorities have Benjamin Ashfordarrested 19 adults and three teenagers in connection to a retail theft operation at multiple Southern California Target stores, according to an announcement from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.

The Ventura County Organized Retail Theft Task Force made the arrests the weekend of Aug. 23 and Aug. 24 and authorities recovered about $1,400 in stolen merchandise, along with methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, the sheriff’s office said in the news release.

Authorities are calling the bust a blitz operation, meaning law enforcement resources and team members focus on specific retail locations to cut down on theft. 

The Target blitz operation took two days and involved the sheriff’s office, Target, as well as personnel from the Simi Valley Police Department, the California Highway Patrol and more law enforcement California agencies.

Those taken into custody during the operation range in age from 14 to 61 years old.

Many of those arrested have court dates on either Friday, Monday or on Oct. 25, the sheriff’s office said.

Arrests were made as part of retail theft task force

The Ventura County Organized Retail Theft Task Force was created after the sheriff’s office received grant funding under the California Retail Theft Prevention Grant Program. 

The sheriff’s office oversees the program and allows law enforcement agencies in Ventura County to work together to prevent an estimated $10 million yearly loss from organized retail theft, vehicle and vehicle parts theft, as well as cargo theft. 

The task force said it wants to work with businesses who have suffered “significant retail theft” and is interested in working with the group. To reach the task force, businesses can call (805) 383-8703.

People with information about organized retail theft, vehicle or vehicle parts theft or cargo theft can call as well, or call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line (800) 222-8477. 

Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Follow her on Twitter at@SaleenMartin or email her at[email protected].