Chico Police TARGET Team Conducts Retail Theft Operation

The Chico Police Target Team has teamed up with local retailers to reduce theft from Chico businesses. Retail theft has been on the rise during the holiday season with several high profile grab and dash type thefts sweeping across the nation. The Chico Police Department’s TARGET TEAM is tasked with addressing chronic crime issues within the Chico Community and wanted to take a pro-active stance against retail theft. The TARGET TEAM has begun to conduct retail theft operations partnering with the stores Loss Prevention Officers. The Chico Police Department has captured crime analysis data that shows us where the most reported theft is occurring in the city. This allows the Police Department to focus efforts in these high crime areas.

On 01/20/22 at approximately 3:00pm, the Chico Police TARGET TEAM was at the Home Depot assisting Loss Prevention Officers apprehend shoplifters. Loss Prevention Officers saw a male subject conceal items down his pants and leave the store without ever attempting to pay for items. A Chico Police Officer contacted the subject outside the store and ordered him to stop. The subject fled on foot leading officers on a foot pursuit. After a chase and a tackle, the subject was taken into custody without further incident. The stolen items were recovered and returned to the Home Depot.

The suspect was identified as Christopher Larson, (33 years old). Larson was booked into the Butte County Jail on charges of petty theft and resisting / delaying a law enforcement officer.

Location: Home Depot (2580 Notre Dame Blvd).
Date/Time: 01/20/2022
Supervisor: Sgt. Paul Ratto Lieutenant: Brian Miller