Livermore, CA – A 38-year-old San Francisco woman was arrested Monday after Livermore police discovered a stolen U-Haul van filled with piles of stolen clothing and shoes parked outside the Livermore Outlets.
Caught Loading Bags into a U-Haul
The incident unfolded around 11 a.m. when officers responded to reports of a suspected shoplifter seen carrying shopping bags to a U-Haul parked near the outlets. When officers arrived, they found the van full of suspected stolen merchandise, including over 20 boxes of shoes and bags of clothing.
According to police, the suspect, Lashay Dodds, had just stolen from The Children’s Place. Further investigation revealed that Dodds has multiple prior theft convictions.
Fraudulent Rental, Confirmed Stolen Vehicle
Authorities say the U-Haul van had been fraudulently rented using a fake Nevada ID and credit card. The rental company later confirmed the vehicle had been reported stolen to Dublin Police.
KTVU revealed that inside the van, police recovered high-end merchandise from brands including Nike, Adidas, and UGG, all believed to be stolen from nearby retailers.
Arrest and Charges
Dodds was arrested on-site and booked into Santa Rita Jail on charges of possession of stolen property and petty theft. No additional suspects have been named at this time, and it remains unclear whether this was part of a broader retail theft operation.
Rising Trend of Retail Theft in California
Incidents like this highlight a growing concern in California retail districts, where organized retail theft has led to thousands of dollars in losses for stores and increased danger for employees and shoppers. Retailers in outlet malls and high-traffic commercial zones are especially vulnerable due to their size and accessibility.
Law enforcement agencies across the state have been urging for tighter verification measures in vehicle rentals and more collaborative security systems between retailers and police.
Do you think more security should be added to outlet malls and retail areas? Share your views in the comments below.
