Multiple Lafayette businesses hit by organized retail theft ring, police say

LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) -- Business owners are urged to keep an eye out as there is an organized retail theft ring who have hit up multiple stores along Ambassador Caffery Parkway, according to the Lafayette Police Department.

It can be irritating for business owners to stock up for the holiday shopping rush only to learn that some people have already started working the aisles free of charge.

Lafayette Police Sgt. Robin Green said the organized retail theft ring, which consists of three individuals who go inside and one who sits outside in a getaway car, has hit at least four places in 30 days.

"It's items such as sports equipment, clothing and household items that these individuals are stealing. It's the same ones every time," Green said.

The suspects' operation method is to load up a shopping cart, remove the items, and run for it.

"Talk about being organized. Each time, they had a car waiting for them outside of these stores to jump in and speed away," Green said.

With the holiday shopping season approaching, it's crucial for business owners to ramp up their security measures to deter potential thefts.

"They don't have the manpower to see every individual they're stealing items from, so they reach out to us, and we assist them as much as we can," Green said.

Lafayette police will even call in off-duty officers to work overtime to help with theft details, which helps to deter crime. 

"The loss prevention worker will have one-on-one contact with that officer. That officer is sitting in the parking lot, and as soon as a shoplifter comes in and a theft occurs, they can contact that officer right away, and that officer can make that arrest right then and there," Green said.

Anyone with information on the identities of the suspects are asked to call Lafayette Crime Stoppers at (337) 232-TIPS (8477) or by downloading the P3 TIPS Mobile App or by dialing **TIPS (**8477) on your mobile device. All callers remain anonymous.

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