Updated: 11/20/2009 8:52 PM KSTP.com | Print |  Email
By: Becky Nahm

MPD Raids Stores Accused of Selling Stolen Goods

After six months of undercover work, Minneapolis police raided businesses accused of stocking their shelves with stolen goods.

Police targeted five business located along West Broadway.

They hauled away several people in handcuffs. So far three people have been charged in what police call a large-scale theft ring.

Minneapolis police officer Richard Jackson said, "We had information where there was one ring leader and she would train people on how to do this."

Jackson said cell phones, baby formula and other items were stolen from Target, Walmart, and Cub Foods around the metro then sold to stores in north Minneapolis.

Police started investigating in May.

They sent informants with goods to sell into several stores.

Police said they had no problem finding buyers. They said store owners and managers welcomed them. Some even requested certain brands.

Police said merchants bought hundreds of dollars worth of goods knowing they were stolen.

Business owners looking to revive West Broadway, applaud the police work.

The director of the Minneapolis Department of Community Planning and Economic Development said, "We know crime will impede progress and business leaders here are united against crime."

Minneapolis police are still investigating. They expect more people will be charged.

Federal investigators may be interested in the case, too. They don't want anyone illegally cashing in on federal nutrition programs.