3 arrested for shoplifting at Novato Target; trio found with stolen merchandise from Bay Area stores

Novato police arrested three people on suspicion of organized retail theft after allegedly finding them with merchandise taken from stores in the Bay Area, the department announced Monday.

Friday evening, a Novato officer responded to a report of a possible theft at a Target store at the Vintage Oaks Shopping Center. Three people were seen fleeing the store but were apprehended by police.

Those arrested were a 34-year-old man from Eureka, a 33-year-old man from Mountain View and a 46-year-old woman from Eureka.

A search of the suspects’ vehicle reportedly revealed “significant” quantities of stolen goods from stores in the North and East Bays.

Merchandise worth “thousands of dollars” was returned to their respective stores. Investigators believe the trio stole items to sell online.

Police also say they found narcotics and drug paraphernalia.

All three were booked into the Marin County Jail on suspicion of organized retail theft with intent to sell, possession of fentanyl and possession of drug paraphernalia.