Retail robbery ring busted by LAPD

The Los Angeles Police Department has busted an organized crime ring that robbed retail stores as recently as Thursday and Friday, the department said in a written statement Saturday.

Police arrested 18 suspects in connection with robberies worth around $23,000. The suspects were between 15 and 20 years old and are believed to have been involved in 14 previous incidents in which stolen goods were valued at $90,000.

The investigation involved the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

A police officer declined to comment on Saturday night’s arrests but said the department plans to release video of the crimes on Monday.

The department did not identify the suspects or the affected retailers.

The suspects live in the city and county of Los Angeles. Three of the most recent thefts occurred within the city and a fourth in Paramount. The suspects targeted shoe and clothing retail chains.

The stolen goods were seized and returned to the retailers.

Police also seized eight vehicles.