Teens Steal $6K In Merchandise From Marin County Store: Police

CORTE MADERA, CA — Three teens were arrested Wednesday in connection with a series of suspected organized retail thefts after more than $6,000 in merchandise was recovered following an investigation that began at a Corte Madera shopping center, police said.

Central Marin Police Authority officers responded to The Village at Corte Madera at about 2:40 p.m. on Wednesday after a witness reported seeing several people flee a retail business with merchandise believed to be stolen. The group left in a black Hyundai, according to police.

Investigators received confirmation from a Lululemon investigator that the store had been targeted. Police also linked the suspects and their car to a theft reported at the shopping center on Oct. 11.

Central Marin officers shared information with regional law enforcement partners, including the California Highway Patrol, San Francisco Police Department and Berkeley Police Department, which was investigating a related case.

San Francisco officers later located the Hyundai using automated license plate recognition technology. When officers attempted to stop the car, the driver did not stop, prompting a pursuit. After officers lost sight of the car, they deployed a drone to help locate the suspects, police said.

The drone located three people leaving the Hyundai with merchandise believed to be stolen and entering a rideshare vehicle. San Francisco officers stopped the rideshare and detained the three juveniles, who were then transferred to Central Marin police custody.

The suspects — one teen boy and two teen girls — were booked into Marin County Juvenile Hall in connection with the theft investigation.

Officers recovered 45 pairs of Lululemon leggings and five jackets with a reported combined retail value of more than $6,000.

Central Marin police said the investigation remains ongoing, with officers coordinating with other Bay Area agencies to investigate additional thefts potentially involving the same suspects, including the possible resale of stolen merchandise.

Anyone with information about the incidents can contact the Central Marin Police Authority at 415-927-5150.