Two undercover police officers dressed as Santa Claus and an elf nabbed five alleged criminals at a shopping center in Riverside, California.
The officers were part of the Riverside Police Department's Property Crimes Unit and were engaged in an operation known as "Santa's Intervention" to help stop retail theft during the holiday season.
“Changes in property crime laws within the recent years have contributed to increases in retail theft and shoplifting,” stated Detective Everth Bercian of the Property Crimes Unit. “Theft of merchandise totaling less than $950 is only a misdemeanor, and any arrest made whether it’s a felony or misdemeanor, results in little to no consequences for these crimes.”
While the undercover officers were patrolling outside of the stores, they received reports that three men were trying to steal cars from the parking lot. The officers found three men trying to break into a Honda CR-V. The men fled the scene, and two of the suspects were detained by Santa and his elf.
The third suspect drove off in the stolen vehicle but abandoned it nearby. Officers have identified the suspect and are trying to locate him.
The officers also arrested three other people who were allegedly trying to shoplift from a Target in the shopping center. One woman was taken into custody after trying to walk out of the store with a shopping cart full of stolen items. Another man, identified as Patrick Seilsopour, 55, was taken into custody and charged with grand theft for allegedly stealing over $1,000 worth of Lego sets.
The third person arrested had previously stolen items from the store. He was identified by loss prevention specialists, and he was taken into custody as he entered the store. He was arrested for trespassing and being in possession of illegal narcotics.
Photo: Riverside Police Department