Miscellaneous Shoplifted Items

A retail crime operation conducted by Las Cruces police, the Department of Homeland Security and retail store investigators resulted in one arrest and the recovery of more than $8,000 in stolen merchandise from multiple locations.

The coordinated effort between law enforcement and retail stores led to the arrest of a woman who was charged under the state’s Organized Retail Crime Act.

The investigation began in May 2024 by the Las Cruces Police Department’s Community Outreach and Street Crimes units, agents with Homeland Security Investigators and loss prevention investigators from local retail stores.

Investigators executed search warrants where merchandise, illegally taken from retail stores, had been sold or stored as part of an organized retail crime operation being run through a local business. The investigation is ongoing so, at this time, police will not be identifying the woman who was arrested or the business that was involved.

Organized retail crime, also known as “shoplifting for profit,” occurs when multiple people work together to steal, receive and/or sell merchandise for financial gain. The crime is a second degree felony under New Mexico law.

The recovered stolen property included clothing, cleaning supplies, health and beauty supplies, hardware, electronics, general household goods and building supplies.

Investigations like this are crucial for identifying offenders, comprehending their methods and formulating strategies to prevent future incidents.

Similar investigations focusing on organized retail crime will continue to be conducted by area law enforcement agencies.

Guss in Top 50 Women Leaders of New Mexico for 2024
City of Las Cruces Labor Day Schedule
Other news in News Releases, Public Safety
Student apprentice members installing a window in a frame.

Workforce Development Programs

The City of Las Cruces supports residents in achieving their career goals through accessible workforce development programs. From skills training to job placement, we’re here to help build a strong,…
Gathering of people in front of large Christmas tree

Tree Lighting Ceremony

The Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place from 6- 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024 at the downtown Plaza de Las Cruces.  This event is a wonderful opportunity to…
Blue pilot Light

Pilot Light Relight Service

Stay safe and warm this winter. Schedule your Pilot Relight and Safety Check today. Avoid long wait times and schedule your Pilot Relight before cold weather arrives. For service, call…
Students working on a mural in Las Cruces

Mural Ribbon Cutting Friday, November 15

The City of Las Cruces will host a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Keep Las Cruces Beautiful program inside the Triviz/I-25 tunnel to display the mural now complete and ready…
American flag waving in the blue sky

Veterans Day Schedule 2024

In observance of Veterans Day, most City of Las Cruces offices will be closed Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. However, all emergency services, including police and fire will operate as usual.…
Dog With a Ball

Dog Park Rules Survey

The City of Las Cruces will be making changes to our Dog Park Rules. We would like your input. Take Survey
Poster submitted by Mesa Middle School student Jasmine Horvath

Veterans Day Parade

The Las Cruces Veterans Day Parade has been put on by volunteers since 1995 in support of local Veterans. Please come out and help show your support of our Veterans…
wallet with folded bills inside and change spilling out from it on a table.

Minimum Wage Notice for 2025

Pursuant to the Las Cruces Municipal Code (LCMC) the minimum wage will increase for Las Cruces, effective January 1, 2025.   According to LCMC, the Las Cruces minimum wage will…
Cactus and succulents

Lush and Lean Fall Workshops

The Lush and Lean program helps residents to make the best use of the limited water resources available by developing and maintaining gardens and landscapes that are also water-wise. The…
Golden colored shovels lined up in dirt for ceremonial groundbreaking

Peachtree Canyon Groundbreaking

You’re Invited! Please join us for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Peachtree Canyon Apartments, a 144-unit affordable housing development. Date: October 10, 2024 Time: 10:00 AM Location: Corner of Peachtree Hills…