Attorney General Uthmeier Announces 44 Statewide Organized Retail Theft Arrests as Part of Nationwide Blitz Operation

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Release Date
Jun 13, 2025
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Communications
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(850) 245-0150

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General James Uthmeier is announcing the statewide results of Florida’s participation in a nationwide organized retail theft blitz operation. Working with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, authorities made 44 arrests, including three illegal aliens, and recovered more than $207,000 in stolen assets. The Florida Organized Retail Crime Exchange (FORCE) played a significant role in this crackdown. The nationwide blitz operation targeted criminals, and organized crime rings that prey on retailers.
 
“Due to great coordination among our state law enforcement and Florida Organized Retail Crime Exchange, 44 criminals were arrested as part of a nationwide organized retail theft blitz,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “The rule of law means something in Florida; this is another example of our state working with law enforcement to stop criminals.”

“FDLE was proud to take part in the National Organized Retail Crime Blitz in support of Attorney General James Uthmeier’s initiative to crack down on retail crime across the state,” said FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass. “We are a law-and-order state, and together with our local and state partners are committed to protecting Florida’s businesses and communities.”

“Florida’s retailers deeply value our strong partnership with law enforcement—our most important ally in the fight against organized retail crime,” said Florida Retail Federation President & CEO R. Scott Shalley. “The success of this nationwide blitz, and Florida’s significant role in it, underscores the impact of collaboration through FORCE. We commend Attorney General Uthmeier, FDLE, and all participating agencies for their continued commitment to safeguarding Florida’s businesses, employees, and customers from these criminal networks.”
 
The defendants stole a range of merchandise, including personal grooming products, clothing, sporting goods, and home repair tools.
 
Founded in 2021, FORCE is a statewide task force and database used to spot trends, identify suspects, and take down massive, organized retail theft rings. The database was designed to bridge the gaps among retailers, law enforcement, and prosecutors by allowing shareable, searchable information on theft incidents statewide.

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