CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) — A frightening scene in the Bay Area this week as a pack of thieves smashed display cases, ransacking a San Ramon store and stealing $1 million worth of merchandise.
Closer to home in Fresno, Lululemon in Fig Garden continues to be hit by grand theft as recently as August 12.
Fresno Police released surveillance footage that captured the moment a woman casually walked into the athletic apparel store. Seconds later, she is seen strolling back toward the entrance with an armload of merchandise.
Clovis Police are currently working two separate and ongoing cases involving sophisticated organized retail crime theft from several stores in the Fresno and Clovis areas.
Over the summer, a pair of suspects stole $20,000 worth of goods, turning around and selling those items to the same local business for resale.
“That investigation led them to a business in Clovis near Fowler and Ashlan that resells used items on eBay,” said Clovis Police spokesperson Ty Wood.
In one case, officers served a search warrant at the Clovis home of Sean Byer on Wednesday morning. Police discovered evidence leading them to arrest the 37-year-old on multiple felonies related to organized retail theft.
During its investigation, police realized another suspect was working together, selling to the same business.
That other suspect, 45-year-old Daniel Duncan of Pennsylvania, remains on the loose.
Together, the suspects stole various items from an espresso machine to an electric guitar.
Last November, voters passed Proposition 36, legislation that brings forward harsher penalties for retail theft, upgrading the crime from a misdemeanor to a felony for thieves with a minimum of two prior convictions.
“Victims now can say that the person who robbed them, stole from them, vandalized their property, actually have consequences,” said Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp.
Consequences that deliver real results.
According to Smittcamp, since December, its office has filed 436 cases with 365 involving theft offenses.
As of Wednesday, 114 have resulted in convictions.
Clovis Police is asking the public if you have information that could lead to the arrest of Daniel Duncan, you’re urged to contact Valley Crime Stoppers or provide a tip through the Clovis Police mobile app.
