Fire fake-out: Dangerous shoplifting distractions on the rise in Sacramento County

cbsnews.com ^ | June 28, 2023 | MADISEN KEAVY

[lowbridge]

A fire was set inside big box retailers to distract as a carefully orchestrated team walks out of the store with hundreds of dollars worth of merchandise. The shoplifting trend is on the rise in Sacramento County with incidents happening more frequently.

While the motive is still under investigation, CBS13 is the first to report an arrest has been made for a possible suspect linked to a fire inside a Target on J Street in Sacramento. The fire has forced the store to close for weeks due to damages and time to restock, according to a Target spokesperson.

Through the windows of the store, shelves are empty and it's more like a construction scene days after the fire was set while shoppers were inside the store. 

"This is organized crime. They have a premeditated plan: where they're going to go, how they're going to start the fire, and what they're going to take from the store," said Parker Wilbourn, spokesperson for Sacramento Metro Fire. 

Wilbourn said the number of incidents linked to fire distractions and shoplifting is on the rise, recently. Sacramento County is not the only area facing this "new wave" of organized crime, he said. 

Oftentimes, the suspect will enter the store inconspicuously with a lighter and set paper towels or toilet paper on fire. In most scenarios, Wilbourn said, the suspects have a plan where they will start the fire and what items they will steal. 

If an individual willfully and maliciously sets fire to property they could be charged with arson, according to a spokesperson for the Sacramento Police Department. Additionally, they could also be charged with vandalism and theft charges. If the damage or stolen property is under $950, it is a misdemeanor, but over that number is considered a felony.

[IndyTiger]

I was at a Home Depot a couple of weeks ago not too far from downtown Cleveland, Ohio, and I noticed that one of the two main front entrances now has a one-way gate installed when you enter, forcing you to exit through the other main door where the checkouts are located and numerous employees are around. First time I’ve seen this in this area.

[jmacusa]

People can laugh at New Jersey all you want but that kind of s**t doesn’t happen here. While this state is tough on gun ownership cops, when they’re called to stores because of attempted shoplifting or robberies don’t fool around.

You’ll end up in jail.