GASTONIA, N.C. (WBTV) – Seventy-eight people were arrested at Target and Walmart stores in Gaston County during the weeks-long “Operation Naughty List.”
The operation took place between Friday, Nov. 28, and Friday, Dec. 19, and targeted thefts at well-known retail locations in Gastonia.
As part of the investigation, officers worked undercover, wearing plain clothes inside the stores to blend in with shoppers. The approach reportedly allowed authorities to identify thefts in real-time.
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Amid the operation, authorities issued a total of 154 charges, including misdemeanor and felony larceny, possession of controlled substances, trespassing, and outstanding warrants.
Police said they recovered or prevented the theft of $4,342.85 in retail merchandise, including one felony larceny valued at $735. Investigators also seized illegal drugs, including fentanyl, narcotics, methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.
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