A retail theft sting in The Woodlands this week resulted in nine arrests and the recovery of nearly $6,000 in stolen merchandise, according to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.
On Thursday, October 30, 2025, the Sheriff’s Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) carried out a planned operation at The Woodlands Mall and Pinecroft Shopping Center. Deputies worked with the Montgomery County Constable’s Office, the Department of Public Safety, and many retail loss prevention agents to target organized shoplifting organizations around the area.
Officials said five people were detained for felony organized retail theft, while four others face misdemeanor shoplifting charges. The coordinated effort resulted in the removal of two organized theft squads from the streets.
One group allegedly engaged in a nationwide coupon fraud and return scheme, focusing on Walmart and Marshalls in The Woodlands. According to deputies, both suspects are from California and were previously jailed in Lake County for similar crimes.
A second set of three female suspects, claiming to be from Cuba, allegedly took approximately $3,500 in products from Academy Sports + Outdoors, Nordstrom, and JCPenney. According to deputies, the stolen items included apparel, YETI and Stanley tumblers, and boots.
The Sheriff’s Office expressed its commitment to working together with retail partners and law enforcement authorities to tackle organized theft and protect local businesses.
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