SAN FRANCISCO—On Monday, November 4, the SFPD reported that 13 people were arrested for their role in an Organized Retail Operation in San Francisco.
Officers with the San Francisco Police Department pre-planned shoplifting and retail theft abatement enforcement operations to address Organized Retail Crimes (ORC). These operations involved coordinated efforts of uniformed and plainclothes officers who wait to arrest criminals who shoplift from retail businesses.
The SFPD reported that retail businesses located on the 1300 block of Castro Street and the 1100 block of Potrero Avenue were chosen for operations due to the high number of shoplifting incidents the businesses were experiencing.

On October 29, the operations resulted in the arrest of 13 suspects; 10 adult suspects were cited and released at the scene. Two adults were booked at San Francisco County Jail for outstanding warrants in addition to the on-view theft charges, and 1 juvenile was admonished at the scene. During one of the incidents, officers located a replica firearm on one of the suspects. This is a reminder that officers often encounter suspects that may carry weapons to use for other crimes.
As part of a $15.3 million grant awarded in 2023 by the State of California for Organized Retail Theft Prevention the SFPD is committed to addressing the issue that has greatly impacted our community. Officers have made dozens of ORC arrests in recent months and will continue to conduct operations throughout the city to decrease thefts at local businesses.
Any business that would like to participate in an Organized Retail Crime operation can contact sfpd.retailtheft@sfgov.org.
The incidents are still under investigation. Those with details are asked to call the San Francisco Police Department at 1-415-575-4444 or Text a Tip to TIP411 and begin the message with SFPD.