Automated License Plate Reader Leads to 3 Organized Retail Theft Arrests
By Jim Emerson
BERKELEY, CA — An automated license plate reader (ALPR) Alert led Berkeley police to arrest
three organized retail theft suspects.
Trevaughn L. Bailey, 18, of Oakland, and two juveniles were taken into custody during the afternoon of October 7.
The license plate of a suspect vehicle was entered in the city’s license plate reader system,
during an investigation of a previous theft.
“It later alerted officers when the vehicle re-entered our city,” Berkeley police said in a prepared statement.
It seems thieves returned to the Lululemon store on Fourth Street, a few days after
merchandise was stolen from the same store.
“Officers quickly responded and located (suspects) once again, in the process of stealing.”
One of the juvenile suspects, a 17-year-old male was observed running out of Lululemon with
nearly $1,000 worth of merchandise.
The suspect’s vehicle was searched and police found more merchandise, evidently stolen previously from Lululemon stores.
Bailey was detained while waiting in a vehicle parked nearby with a second juvenile suspect.
Berkeley PD placed Bailey under arrest at 2:05 p.m. He was booked and remains at Alameda
County Santa Rita Jail, pending further legal procedures.
The following misdemeanor-level charges are filed against Bailey –
· Organized retail theft PC 490.4 (A)
· Receiving stolen property PC 496(A)
· Unlicensed driver VC 12500
Both unidentified juveniles were also arrested.
One of them was reportedly was arrested recently for allegedly stealing merchandise from a Lululemon store in Contra Costa County.
“This case underscores the value of ALPR technology. We are able to identify repeat officers, respond in real time, and hold individuals accountable,” the BPD statement said.
