Shoppers browsing the brightly lit aisles of big-box retailers in Gastonia, North Carolina, during the holiday season may have unknowingly walked past undercover police officers posing as fellow customers. What appeared to be ordinary holiday shopping trips were, in fact, part of a coordinated law enforcement crackdown aimed at curbing retail theft—an effort that culminated in dozens of arrests and the seizure of drugs and stolen merchandise.
The Gastonia Police Department announced last week that its targeted enforcement initiative, dubbed “Operation Naughty List,” resulted in the arrest of 78 individuals and the filing of 154 criminal charges over a three-week period. The operation, conducted between November 28 and December 19, focused on high-theft retail locations and utilized undercover tactics designed to catch shoplifters in the act.
According to police officials, the initiative was launched in response to rising retail crime both locally and nationwide, particularly during the high-volume holiday shopping season when theft incidents tend to spike.
Undercover Officers Among Holiday Shoppers
As part of the operation, Gastonia’s Street Crimes Unit deployed plainclothes officers inside major retail stores, including locations frequented by large crowds and known for repeat theft incidents. Dressed as everyday shoppers, officers blended seamlessly into stores such as Target and Walmart, allowing them to observe suspicious behavior without drawing attention.
Working closely with store loss prevention teams, undercover officers monitored individuals suspected of shoplifting in real time. This coordination allowed law enforcement to intervene quickly—often before stolen merchandise could exit the store—while also identifying habitual offenders who had previously evaded detection.
“The success of this operation came from collaboration,” the department said in a statement. “By working hand-in-hand with retail partners, officers were able to observe thefts as they occurred and take immediate action.”
Arrests, Charges, and Recovered Goods
Over the course of the operation, police made 78 arrests and filed a total of 154 charges. The offenses ranged from misdemeanor larceny and criminal trespass to felony theft and drug possession.
Authorities reported that the crackdown either recovered or prevented the theft of $4,342.85 worth of merchandise. In one notable case, officers intercepted a suspect allegedly attempting to steal $735 worth of goods—a value high enough to qualify for felony larceny. Investigators said anti-theft devices on the merchandise had been deliberately deactivated, pointing to a level of planning rather than impulsive theft.
Beyond retail merchandise, officers also seized illegal drugs during several arrests. Confiscated substances included fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, and various forms of drug paraphernalia. Police noted that retail theft investigations frequently uncover additional criminal activity, including narcotics offenses.
A Nationwide Surge in Retail Theft
Gastonia’s operation comes amid growing concern across the United States over a surge in retail theft that has strained businesses and law enforcement agencies alike.
According to a December 2024 report by the National Retail Federation (NRF), shoplifting incidents have increased dramatically in recent years. The federation’s study, “The Impact of Retail Theft & Violence 2024,” found that the average number of shoplifting incidents per year rose by 93 percent in 2023 compared to 2019. Over the same period, dollar losses attributed to shoplifting jumped by 90 percent.
The NRF survey was conducted among senior loss prevention executives from 164 retail brands representing a combined $1.52 trillion in annual sales in 2023. The brands spanned a wide range of sectors, including luxury retail, home improvement, grocery, and mass merchandise.
According to the federation, retail theft has evolved significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic, shifting from isolated, opportunistic shoplifting to more organized and repeat-driven criminal behavior. Retailers have increasingly turned to law enforcement partnerships and advanced surveillance technology to combat the trend.
Technology Plays a Growing Role
To address these challenges locally, the Gastonia Police Department has made significant investments in technology designed to enhance crime prevention and response capabilities.
In the fall of 2025, the city officially launched a Real Time Crime Center (RTCC)—a centralized intelligence hub that provides officers with immediate access to live surveillance feeds, license plate data, and other actionable information while incidents are unfolding.
The RTCC connects Gastonia to a nationwide network that includes more than 5,000 law enforcement agencies and partnerships with over 6,000 businesses. Major retailers such as Home Depot, Lowe’s, Ulta Beauty, and Target participate in the system by sharing camera access and relevant data during active investigations.
Funding for the center included $963,000 from a federal Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grant, $120,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and $100,000 from the city’s general fund.
Surveillance Infrastructure Expands
Gastonia’s technology grid now includes 21 Flock automated license plate readers, 22 Flock live cameras, and 144 surveillance cameras covering downtown areas. Police officials say the Flock system has already proven its effectiveness nationwide, assisting in the recovery of more than 1,000 missing persons across the country.
During retail crime investigations, license plate readers allow officers to quickly identify suspect vehicles, track repeat offenders, and connect thefts occurring at different locations.
“The Real Time Crime Center is a game-changer for Gastonia,” Police Chief Trent Conard said when the facility was unveiled. “By integrating cutting-edge technology with real-time data, we are giving our officers the tools they need to prevent crime, respond faster, and ultimately make our community safer.”
Retailers Welcome Law Enforcement Support
Retailers in Gastonia have expressed support for proactive enforcement efforts, noting that theft not only results in financial losses but also impacts employee safety and customer experience. Loss prevention experts say repeat shoplifters can escalate to aggressive behavior when confronted, increasing risks for store staff.
By embedding undercover officers within stores, Operation Naughty List reduced the burden on retail employees and allowed trained law enforcement professionals to handle confrontations.
Police emphasized that the operation was carefully planned to minimize disruption to legitimate shoppers while maximizing deterrence.
Looking Ahead
Officials say Operation Naughty List is not a one-time effort but part of a broader strategy to address property crime in Gastonia. The department plans to continue using undercover tactics, technology-driven intelligence, and retailer partnerships to combat theft throughout 2026.
While the holiday season provided a strategic window for enforcement, police stressed that retail theft remains a year-round problem requiring sustained attention.
“Operations like this send a clear message,” a department spokesperson said. “Retail theft will not be tolerated, and those who commit these crimes should expect consequences.”
As retail crime continues to rise nationwide, Gastonia’s approach may serve as a model for other mid-sized cities seeking to balance proactive enforcement with community safety—demonstrating how traditional policing and modern technology can work together to curb crime in public spaces.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
