Gastonia Police Nab 28 Retail Thieves in Operation Retail Roundup

Gastonia Police conducted an operation called 'Operation Retail Roundup' to target theft at local retail stores. The two-day operation took place on August 4 and 6, with officers working together with 12 participating retailers.

The retailers involved included big-box stores like Dick's Sporting Goods, Lowe's, Academy Sports, Target, Home Depot, TJ Maxx, and Bath & Body Works. Police arrested suspects as they left the stores, leading to a total of 28 arrests during the operation.

The charges filed against the suspects include 38 misdemeanors and 8 felonies. Additionally, one firearm was seized by police, along with multiple arrests involving conspiracy and habitual larceny, and several related to drug activity.

As a result of the operation, several thousand dollars' worth of merchandise was recovered from participating businesses. The Gastonia Police Department stated that this operation demonstrates how law enforcement can work together with local businesses to protect them and hold offenders accountable.