LANCASTER –Deputies from the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station will be cracking down on thieves this holiday season by conducting ongoing “Sticky Fingers” operations, officials announced Tuesday.
“Theft tends to spike up this time of year, because there’s just a lot more people out shopping,” said Lancaster Community Relations deputy Michael Rust. “We want to help combat the crime, and also ensure safety of the people that are out shopping.”
During “Sticky Fingers” operations, several of Lancaster Station’s specialized teams will be working undercover at retail stores throughout Lancaster. The teams will be focusing on all types of crimes and will have a zero tolerance policy.
“It’s not just the big box stores, they’re going to be all over the city,” Rust said. “Realistically you would be stupid to even try anything between now and the first of the year, there’s just going to be a lot of coppers out there.”
Those busted during “Sticky Fingers” operations can expect to be promptly arrested and, in many cases, charged with commercial burglary.
“If you go into a store with no money in your pocket and you steal something, you just committed commercial burglary,” Rust said. “It’s up to the district attorney to figure it all out, but we are going to arrest you for commercial burglary.”
Rust said thieves can also expect to have their identities publicized at the conclusion of the holiday season.
“Once the operation is complete, the arrests will be publicized. We can’t really show pictures, but we will publicize the names,” Rust said.
“This operation provides extra security for the people that are out shopping and provides an opportunity for us to catch the people that are out there committing crimes,” Rust continued. “It’s not just targeting shoplifters, they’re targeting any crime that they see.”
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Ali says
I am all for arresting thieves however like someone suggested, they should have their private security doing that. The AV has gotten so bad in the last couple of years that the LASD would be more useful out on the street. We have had a couple rapes in the area including a girl on her way to school. I would much rather have them out there watching and protecting our children than trying to bust someone for something petty..
Sticky Fingers says
the Da isnt gonna bust us for burgulary, just for stealing a candy bar, aint gonna happen.
dumbandblind says
If they really want to catch the real thieves, “Operation Sticky Fingers’ should be done in Wall Street and get those who stole our homes and pushed us all into a fiscal cliff…. turning all future generations into slaves.
dumbandblind says
Retail stores should maximize the use of their own security! LASD are best patrolling our neighborhoods and responding to REAL emergencies. Why are taxpayer funds being used to prevent Corporate losses? Damn no wonder retail stores cut pay knowing they can use public resources for free.
QHR says
Damn thugs need to learn they do not belong here. AV needs to return to what it was a decade ago.
The Anti-REX says
Free private security for retail stores? Can I get a Deputy for my front porch to watch over my packages that are getting delivered?
gonetoosoon says
I wish you all the luck in getting rid of any scumbags you catch and send them to jail, better yet back down the hill where they belong.
Mr. Mister says
Now this may actually work. Except for the fact that the undercovers still must adhere to dress code and grooming standards. Expect short haired and/or bald males with no more facial hair than a moustache if any. Females with a bun and same attire. Blue Jeans and a black leather jacket, sweater, or windbreaker. And they just may have their badges slightly visible and have pouches attached to their belts for handcuffs. If you want operations like this to succeed, then allow scruffy beards, untamed hair and raggety clothes. And ultimately be more discreet with your tools of the trade. Other than that, good luck and catch some criminals.
TBABY says
I agree!
Beervana says
Could easily pass for military. Clean cut, respectable. Don’t hang around out front unless you are going to a car. Change jackets or hats so you don’t look the same all day.I usually spot undercover people within seconds.
Good luck and catch all the thieves!
Uncle Tom says
Actually, for operations such as this they probably can and will adjust their appearance. That’s all I’m going to say about it.