Police in Mesa kicked off the holiday shopping season this week with a crackdown on shoplifters, arresting nearly 50 people in a two-day crackdown.
Detective Steve Berry said they targeted repeat offenders and retail theft rings.
“Getting these folks off the streets and out of our stores is great for all of us as the season approaches because we all want to get the best deals and not having crooks driving up prices is a great way to do it," Berry said.
Berry said Mesa officers worked with retailers like Walmart, Target, Kohl’s and Home Depot to make the arrests.