Law enforcement agencies, retail partners discuss crime and more
Local police have a simple message to individuals thinking about thefts: Don’t do it.
The Cape Coral Police Department’s Property Crimes Unit recently hosted its quarterly Retail Partnership Meeting that brought together law enforcement agencies from across Southwest Florida and retail partners.
PCU Sgt. Jeremy Niland led the meeting, which officials said focused on intelligence sharing and strengthening collaboration.
“The meeting provided an opportunity for Cape Coral Police Department, our retail partners and neighboring law enforcement agencies to share information about current trends, discuss investigative leads, and identify ways to improve communication and collaboration,” said CCPD’s Public Affairs Office.
In a release on Monday, CCPD highlighted a pair of recent arrests regarding retail theft.
On Oct. 3, Yohanka Ivis Lopez Borrego, 52, of Cape Coral, was arrested on a charge of grand theft after Walmart Asset Prevention stopped her as she allegedly attempted to leave with unpaid merchandise, including a bicycle.
According to CCPD, surveillance showed Lopez Borrego selecting and concealing a large amount of merchandise, including clothing, accessories, health and fitness products, craft items, and a bike. The total value of the merchandise was $779.88.
“When questioned about the bicycle, Lopez Borrego told officers she intended to take it for a ‘test ride’ around the parking lot before paying for it,” CCPD’s release stated.
On Oct. 4, Aaron Lee Wilmore Jr., 46, was arrested on charges of petit theft and fraud after Walmart Asset Prevention allegedly saw him picking up discarded receipts in the parking lot and using them to fraudulently return merchandise for cash.
CCPD officials said Wilmore also concealed additional items, including men’s jewelry, Liquid I.V. and food, before leaving the store without paying. Police officials said the items were valued at $150.21, and he had already obtained $80.02 through fraudulent returns.
“The Cape Coral Police Department takes all thefts seriously,” CCPD’s Public Affairs Office stated. “While the value of the property can affect the criminal charge, theft impacts our local businesses and community, regardless of the dollar amount. Our Property Crimes Unit works closely with retailers to investigate these incidents, identify repeat offenders and develop investigative leads. Strong communication with our retail partners helps us address these crimes more effectively.”
So, what is CCPD’s message to those in the community thinking about any type of theft?
“Our message is simple: Don’t do it,” Public Affairs Office officials stated. “Theft is a crime, regardless of the value of the property, and there are consequences.
“We encourage anyone who sees something suspicious to report it and encourage our retail partners to continue working closely with law enforcement,” they added. “Our goal is not only to investigate thefts after they occur, but to work together with our community and retail partners to prevent them.”