News Summary
The Shreveport Police Department has ramped up efforts to combat retail theft, leading to a successful sting operation resulting in multiple arrests. Dubbed the ‘March 2025 Blitz,’ the operation targeted organized retail crime, leading to the apprehension of individuals from various stores, including Walmart and Ulta. Among those arrested is Javier Serrano, linked to numerous theft incidents nationally. This crackdown highlights the department’s commitment to ensuring safety for businesses and communities in Shreveport.
Shreveport – The Shreveport Police Department has intensified efforts to combat retail theft in the city, resulting in multiple arrests during a recent sting operation. This operation, dubbed the “March 2025 Blitz,” was executed over two days, leading to the apprehension of eight individuals involved in various theft-related crimes across multiple stores.
Among those arrested was Javier Serrano, a fugitive wanted for allegedly stealing merchandise from an Ulta store in Shreveport on June 10. Serrano was arrested on July 4 in Austin, Texas, during an operation that targeted a national retail theft ring. His involvement is linked to over 65 theft incidents across the United States, causing an estimated $100,000 in losses to Ulta. However, it remains unclear whether he will be extradited to Shreveport due to an ongoing ICE hold for pending deportation proceedings.
Another notable arrest during the sting operation was Paige Cranford, identified by police as a repeat offender in a theft case at a local Walmart from February 11. Surveillance footage captured her stealing merchandise and fleeing from Walmart’s Asset Protection staff. Cranford has a history of theft, with three prior arrests, all leading to convictions, resulting in a warrant issued for her arrest.
The “March 2025 Blitz” focused on tackling organized retail crime within Shreveport, as the police department seeks to deter further incidents. Additional arrests from the operation included individuals at various well-known retail stores:
- Kevin Joseph Johnson was apprehended at Lowe’s on multiple charges, including Habitual Theft, probation violation, and resisting an officer.
- Shaerial Anderson and Ray’shonda Anderson were arrested at Target, charged with felony and misdemeanor theft for attempting to steal over $570 worth of clothing.
- Frances Martin, Treniesha Thomas, and Chadwick Woulard were detained at Bath & Body Works, having stolen over $900 worth of merchandise. Martin notably has seven prior theft convictions.
- Michael Griffin was arrested at TJ Maxx for attempting to steal underwear and charged with Habitual Theft, with an extensive background of 19 prior convictions.
- Anthony McCray was also arrested at TJ Maxx for attempting to steal earbuds; he faces charges of Habitual Theft with seven prior convictions and has an active felony warrant.
The recent crackdown underlines the Shreveport Police Department’s commitment to addressing the growing issue of organized retail crime in the area. Law enforcement officials have expressed their intention to maintain vigilance and implement additional sting operations and initiatives throughout the year to significantly reduce retail theft incidents.
This proactive approach aims to create a safer environment for local businesses and supports their efforts to recover from significant financial losses resulting from theft. As operations continue, retailers and citizens alike can expect a strengthened police presence focused on deterring theft and ensuring accountability for offenders.
As retail crime poses a significant challenge, the Shreveport Police Department remains dedicated to collaboration with the community and the retail sector to establish effective measures against theft and increase safety for patrons and employees alike.
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Additional Resources
- KSLA: Man Arrested in National Ulta Theft Ring
- Google Search: Shreveport retail theft
- KTBS: Repeat Offender Identified in Shreveport Walmart Theft
- Wikipedia: Organized Retail Crime
- KTAL: Suspected Retail Thieves Arrested During Shreveport Police Sting Operation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Theft
- 710 KEEL: Shreveport Retail Theft Sting
- Google News: Shreveport retail theft arrests
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
