A prolific thief who had stolen more than $40,000 worth of merchandise from a Target store in San Francisco has been arrested. Police said they arrested 41-year-old Aziza Graves, who is now facing multiple charges of theft.
Target's stores in San Francisco have been plagued by brazen thieves who have stolen thousands of dollars worth of items, sometimes reportedly in front of security staff. Due to what the company called an "ongoing organized retail crime," Target has decided to close down multiple locations in the city.
Police arrested Graves in the same Target store she frequents at the Stonestown Galleria. Police records showed that she had allegedly been involved in 120 separate theft incidents between October 2020 and November 2021.
San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott said Graves is a known retail theft offender. Scott added that he hopes the arrest sends a strong message to other shoplifters and would-be shoplifters that such acts will not be tolerated in the city.
Graves' arrest came after Target sought the help of the San Francisco District Attorney's Office to investigate the thefts at its stores in the city. Graves now faces eight counts of grand theft and 120 counts of misdemeanor petty theft.
Graves reportedly employed different tactics to steal items from Target stores. One of her schemes is using the store's self-checkout kiosks after gathering merchandise from the store. Graves allegedly scanned some items and made small cash payments. She then walks out of the store with several unpaid items.
In recent months, San Francisco has witnessed some of the worst shop thefts and looting in the country. A burglar inside a Walgreens was seen on camera tossing stuff into a rubbish bag before hopping on a bicycle and speeding across the aisle and out the door.
In July, California Governor Gavin Newsom approved legislation to combat organized retail theft. The statute made organized retail theft a criminal offense. It also covers individuals who assist criminals in stealing or receiving stolen goods, as well as those who recruit or organize crime rings.
Because of the widespread theft, several retailers in the city have opted to reduce their operating house, while some have chosen to completely close down. Target cut back on hours at five of its San Francisco shops during the summer. Walgreens stated in October that it would close five outlets around the city due to the continued thefts.
Walgreens said in a statement that the ongoing thefts had forced it to close down some of its stores. The company said prescriptions would be transferred to other nearby outlets.
