Hailey
In a major crackdown, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office arrested 21 people in South Sacramento on Thursday after a series of thefts at a local Dollar Tree store.
The arrests were part of a focused effort by the sheriff’s Property Crime and Organized Retail Crime Task Force to stop ongoing retail theft and protect local businesses.
Why This Location Was Targeted
Detective Alex Yakimchuk explained that the Dollar Tree reached out for help because of significant losses. According to Yakimchuk, the store reported losing up to 65% of its inventory in 2025 due to theft.
This level of loss not only affects the business but also the community that relies on affordable shopping.
“They are basically asking us any type of help that we could give them,” Yakimchuk said.
The team chose the store carefully, knowing that intervention was needed to prevent further theft and keep jobs safe.
How the Operation Worked
The task force used a combination of surveillance cameras and undercover officers to monitor the store. They observed several ways that suspects stole items. Detective Yakimchuk shared some examples of how the thefts occurred:
- Trash Can Theft: Some suspects were seen loading items into trash cans and walking out of the store.
- Quick Sales: In one case, a man grabbed over 10 cans of soda, walked across the parking lot, and tried to sell them within minutes of stealing.
Even though Dollar Tree items are inexpensive, the combined value of these thefts on Thursday added up to about $1,000, showing that even “small-scale” crimes can have big effects.
Repeat Offenders and Proposition 36
Out of the 21 arrested, six were repeat offenders, making them eligible for prosecution under Proposition 36. This law allows for tougher consequences on certain theft crimes.
| Arrest Details | Number of Suspects |
|---|---|
| Total arrested | 21 |
| Repeat offenders | 6 |
| Minors | Some |
| Adults | Some |
Impact on the Community
Detective Yakimchuk emphasized that thefts don’t just affect the store’s finances. They also affect jobs and affordable access for the community.
“With those kind of numbers, I don’t see them staying open in certain locations for much longer,” Yakimchuk said.
“Once affordable stores like Dollar Tree close due to theft, residents will have fewer options for basic goods.”
The operation serves as a warning: even crimes that seem minor can have far-reaching effects.
The Message from Law Enforcement
Yakimchuk also noted that many suspects act with ill intent, not out of need.
“Even if it’s Dollar Tree, people have ill intent. It’s not somebody hungry or thirsty for a quick soda or snack. People will abuse the system, steal as much as they can, thinking Dollar Tree won’t prosecute or law enforcement won’t stop them.”
There was no specific pattern among those arrested — the group included minors and older adults. The sheriff’s office plans to continue similar operations to help local businesses and maintain public safety.
The South Sacramento Dollar Tree bust shows that retail theft is more than just a “small crime.” It can impact businesses, jobs, and communities. Police efforts like these not only catch criminals but also remind the public that theft has consequences.
Local authorities will continue to monitor, enforce the law, and support businesses affected by organized retail crime. Preventing theft ensures that affordable stores can remain open and serve the community for years to come.