NORTH PORT — The North Port Police Department has had a busy holiday season.
The NPPD Special Enforcement Team conducted a retail theft operation during the festive period in order to combat organized theft.
“These efforts help protect local businesses, enhance store safety, and stop criminals from profiting from illegal activities,” NPPD stated via social media.
KioskIndustry, a trade group, said Walmart, for example, loses billions of dollars from theft every year, with a significant increase during the busy holiday season.
NPPD provided some statistics regarding the 21 cases that its special enforcement team covered to curb such theft locally this year.
They made 17 arrests with seven being felonies and 10 misdemeanors, and recovered $6,500 in stolen merchandise.
NPPD also seized counterfeit cash, fraudulently obtained currency, meth, cocaine, and a handgun.
NPPD intercepted two organized fraud groups targeting businesses in Sarasota and Manatee counties, too.
“North Port is not a city to visit and conduct illegal activity in,” NPPD stated via social media. “#NotToday.”