Undercover Operation in Gastonia Targets Retail Theft

Gastonia, North Carolina, January 2, 2026

Gastonia, North Carolina, recently concluded ‘Operation Naughty List,’ an undercover initiative made by the local police to tackle retail theft during the holiday shopping season. The operation led to 78 arrests, prevented thousands in merchandise theft, and revealed a concerning trend of organized retail crime. By monitoring high-theft locations like Target and Walmart, officers acted swiftly against thieves, recovering over $4,342.85 in goods and charging individuals with various crimes including drug possession and trespassing. This operation highlights the ongoing national issue of retail theft as it becomes increasingly organized and violent.

Gastonia, North Carolina –

Undercover ‘Operation Naughty List’ Curbs Retail Theft, Leads to Dozens of Arrests in Gastonia

In a significant effort to combat rising retail theft during the crucial holiday shopping period, law enforcement in Gastonia, North Carolina, successfully concluded “Operation Naughty List,” an undercover initiative that resulted in 78 arrests and prevented the alleged theft of thousands of dollars in merchandise. The multi-week operation, carried out by the Gastonia Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit, targeted high-theft retail locations, primarily major stores such as Target and Walmart, from late November to mid-December 2025.

Details of the Operation

Undercover officers, blending in with everyday shoppers, worked closely with store loss-prevention teams to identify and apprehend individuals engaged in theft and related criminal activities. This proactive approach allowed law enforcement to intervene swiftly in theft attempts and address other offenses on the spot.

The initiative, which ran from November 28 to December 19, 2025, generated a total of 154 charges. These charges encompassed a range of offenses, including both misdemeanor and felony larceny, possession of controlled substances, trespassing, and the apprehension of individuals with outstanding warrants. Officers also seized various illegal narcotics, such as fentanyl, methamphetamine, marijuana, and other drug paraphernalia during the arrests, highlighting the broader criminal elements often associated with retail theft.

Prevented Losses and Targeted Locations

During “Operation Naughty List,” officers successfully recovered or prevented the theft of over $4,342.85 in retail merchandise. A notable incident involved an attempted felony larceny valued at $735, where suspects deactivated anti-theft devices. The operation specifically focused on deterring would-be thieves and catching habitual offenders who frequently target large retail outlets in Gastonia and Gaston County.

Broader Context of Retail Crime

The Gastonia operation comes amidst a nationwide surge in retail theft and related violence, which has become a significant concern for retailers across the United States. Studies indicate a substantial increase in shoplifting incidents and financial losses for retailers in recent years. For instance, there was a 93% increase in the average number of shoplifting incidents per year in 2023 compared to 2019, accompanied by a 90% increase in dollar loss from shoplifting during the same period.

Rise of Organized Retail Crime

A major driver of this trend is the rise of organized retail crime (ORC), where criminal enterprises coordinate groups of individuals to steal large quantities of merchandise from multiple stores. These stolen goods are often resold for profit through various channels. Authorities have noted that ORC activities have become increasingly sophisticated and widespread. The financial impact of such crimes is substantial, affecting profitability, pricing decisions, and staffing levels for businesses. In some instances, the proceeds from organized retail crime have been linked to financing international crime groups and even terrorist organizations, underscoring the serious implications beyond simple shoplifting.

Nationwide Efforts to Combat Theft

Law enforcement agencies across the U.S. have been intensifying efforts to combat organized retail crime. These initiatives often involve multi-agency collaborations with retailers and federal, state, and local authorities. For example, a nationwide mission led by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office in July 2025 resulted in over 500 arrests across 28 states, targeting professional thieves and large-scale theft rings. Such operations aim to disrupt criminal networks and create a safer shopping environment for consumers and employees alike, while also recovering stolen assets and preventing further economic losses.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What was “Operation Naughty List”?

“Operation Naughty List” was an undercover law enforcement initiative conducted by the Gastonia Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit to combat retail theft and related criminal activities in Gastonia, North Carolina, during the 2025 holiday shopping season.

When did “Operation Naughty List” take place?

The operation ran from November 28 to December 19, 2025.

How many arrests were made during “Operation Naughty List”?

A total of 78 individuals were arrested during “Operation Naughty List.”

What types of charges were filed?

The 154 charges filed included misdemeanor and felony larceny, possession of controlled substances, trespassing, and arrests for outstanding warrants.

What was the value of merchandise recovered or theft prevented?

Officers recovered or prevented the theft of over $4,342.85 in retail merchandise.

Which stores were targeted by the operation?

The operation targeted high-theft retail locations, primarily Target and Walmart stores in Gastonia.

What broader issue does “Operation Naughty List” address?

The operation addresses the growing nationwide concern of retail theft and organized retail crime, which has seen a significant increase in incidents and financial losses for U.S. retailers.

Key Features of ‘Operation Naughty List’

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Author: HERE Charlotte

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