SARASOTA, Fla. – Authorities in Sarasota County moved to preempt the annual spike in holiday shoplifting this week, arresting 11 people during a targeted operation at the University Town Center (UTC) mall.
The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office deployed multiple specialized units—including tactical teams and intelligence officers—between November 18 and 20. Their goal was to intercept thieves before the heavy shopping traffic began.
While the sweep netted three individuals with no criminal history, the majority of those arrested were repeat offenders. Deputies reported that eight of the suspects held a collective record of 111 prior felonies and 117 misdemeanors…