THEIVES with sledgehammers allegedly rampaged an Ulta Beauty and cops believe they are part of a retail theft crime ring.
An Ulta in Santa Monica, California, was allegedly broken into by six suspects who used the sledgehammers to smash glass cases and steal $23,000 worth of perfume – three have been arrested so far.
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The crime occurred on March 23 around 4 a.m. and the six suspects drove away in two dark-colored vehicles.
The alleged thieves disguised themselves by wearing all black and masks that covered their faces.
“The suspects, all wearing hoodies and face masks, used the sledgehammers to break open glass display cases containing high-end fragrances,” Santa Monica Police Department spokeswoman Lt. Erika Aklufi said in a press release on Friday.
“Stealing over $23,000 in merchandise.”
THREE ARRESTED
Detectives with the Santa Monica Police Department and the LAPD Organized Retail Crime Task Force have been working to track down the alleged thieves since.
After investigation, cops discovered a location in South Los Angeles where they believed the suspects may be.
A warrant was granted and on Friday the SMPD SWAT, UAS, Patrol, Criminal Investigations Division personnel, and LAPD’s ORCTF the South Los Angeles location.
The authorities surrounded and entered the location for a sweep and discovered the stolen Ulta merchandise.
Three people were arrested who are believed to be involved in the burglary.
This includes Caleed Jamari, 24, Eelayia Christine, 21, and Mekhai Taveon, 22, according to the release.
“The team recovered two firearms and merchandise from the Ulta burglary,” Aklufi said in a statement.
“Three individuals associated with the burglary were arrested and transported to the Santa Monica jail for booking.
“Based on evidence recovered during the warrant, detectives believe the individuals who burglarized the Santa Monica Ulta store are part of a larger organized retail theft crime ring that may have gang connections.”
The three suspects have since been released after citations with the LA county bail schedule, the statement said.
“Detectives are confident the other three individuals responsible for the Ulta burglary will be arrested soon.”
Santa Monica Police Department spokeswoman Lt. Erika Aklufi
The authorities working on the investigation said they are confident the other three involved in the Ulta burglary will be found and arrested soon.
“Detectives are confident the other three individuals responsible for the Ulta burglary will be arrested soon,” Aklufi said.
The SMPD commended the efforts of both the LAPD and the Task Force to accomplish the arrests.
“The excellent outcome of this investigation is due in great part to our strong partnership with LAPD and the Task Force,” Aklufi said.
The U.S. Sun has reached out to Santa Monica Police Department’s spokeswoman and Ulta for comment on the investigation.
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