Arlington Heights, IL – Police in northwest suburban Chicago are stepping up enforcement against organized retail theft this December, and early results have already led to multiple arrests.
According to the Arlington Heights Police Department, officers made two arrests within hours of launching a new Organized Retail Crime Initiative on Monday, December 9. The effort is designed to combat seasonal spikes in retail theft and disrupt larger criminal networks involved in the resale of stolen merchandise.
Authorities say one of the individuals arrested was a 21-year-old woman from Vernon Hills who was taken into custody on felony retail theft and resisting arrest charges. Police allege she was also linked to two additional felony retail theft investigations at the same Arlington Heights retail location in previous months. Her name has been released by police, but all charges remain allegations pending court proceedings.
The second individual arrested during the operation was cited for misdemeanor retail theft, according to police.
Both suspects were charged and released pending their initial court appearances, officials said.
The Arlington Heights operation is part of a broader law enforcement push tied to the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office Regional Organized Crime Task Force (CROC). That initiative, launched nationally in May 2025, includes participation from more than 100 law enforcement agencies across 28 states and focuses on coordinated efforts with private-sector retailers.
Police say the local enforcement campaigns will continue periodically throughout the holiday shopping season and beyond, as retail theft historically increases during high-volume shopping periods.
Residents and business owners in Arlington Heights, Cook County, and the greater Chicago metro area are encouraged to report suspicious activity to police as enforcement efforts continue.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
