Members of a family-run retail theft ring dubbed the “Dodger Crew” by police were detained this week for allegedly stealing high-end perfume from Los Angeles-area stores and reselling it.
The Los Angeles Police Department’s Organized Retail Theft Task Force served a search warrant Thursday morning at the family’s home in South Los Angeles, KTLA reported
Police arrested 50-year-old Fermin Mendoza. Gabriella Lopez was also arrested.
Police are looking for the father’s girlfriend, who they have not named.
The family became known as the “Dodge Crew” because some of them wore Los Angeles Dodgers apparel during the alleged thefts, said Los Angeles Police Department Lt. Mike McComas. The family has no ties to Major League Baseball.
Crew members were suspected of stealing high-end perfume and reselling it.
(KTLA)
“You usually don’t have parents and children [committing crimes] Together,” McComas said.
He said the task force has been investigating the family since February. Police discovered alleged crimes dating back to December.
Officials did not disclose the value of the perfume the crew allegedly stole over the past seven months. KTLA 5 reports members stole from major retailers such as Macy’s and Nordstrom in Los Angeles, Glendale and Torrance.
McComas said the task force is investigating how the stolen merchandise was resold and is looking for “fences,” people who purchase stolen products from thieves.
“If anyone is buying these products from a shoplifter, they need to be aware, we will find you and shut you down,” he said.
