WATERTOWN — In response to a surge in shoplifting incidents, the Watertown Police Department partnered with several law enforcement agencies to conduct a successful sting operation on April 24, leading to multiple arrests.
The multi-agency effort included the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office and the Suburban Middlesex County Drug Task Force.
It targeted organized retail crime at Arsenal Yards and Watertown Mall, two locations that have seen an increase in shoplifting activities.
Undercover officers and loss prevention staff from major retailers such as Target, Best Buy, Nike, Home Depot, and Ulta were deployed across the shopping centers.
Their presence aimed to deter theft and capture offenders in the act.
Alexandria Real Estate and Arsenal Yards offered additional support to the initiative.
The operation culminated in the arrest of seven individuals and four others being summoned for charges related to shoplifting and theft.
All of the accused are awaiting further judicial proceedings.
This crackdown highlights the effectiveness of collaborative work between the police, sheriff’s office, task force, and local businesses in tackling crime that affects the community’s safety and economic health.
