Bates Area Civic Association

From Chief of Police, Cathy Lanier

From: MPD-5D@yahoogroups.com [mailto:MPD-5D@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Lanier, Cathy (MPD)
Sent: Monday, March 12, 2012 7:46 PM
To: MPD-4D@yahoogroups.com; MPD-1D@yahoogroups.com; MPD-3d@yahoogroups.com; MPD-7D@yahoogroups.com; ‘MPD-6D@yahoogroups.com’ (MPD-6D@yahoogroups.com); ‘MPD-SLU@yahoogroups.com’ (MPD-SLU@yahoogroups.com); MPD-2d@yahoogroups.com; MPD-5D@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [MPD-5D] Update on a Major Operation

Good evening, I just finished a press conference in which I announced significant progress in our ongoing efforts to curtail robberies and thefts in the District of Columbia.  As part of this ongoing effort, the Narcotics and Special Investigations Division just concluded a three and a half week long investigation in which we targeted businesses in the District that brazenly trafficked in stolen property.  As I have repeatedly said- we are attacking thefts and robberies from all angles.  In this case, we targeted the demand aspect of the problem.

So far, today we conducted 13 search warrants on businesses and arrested 16 persons (more arrests to come).  Most of the arrestees are charged with Felony Trafficking in Stolen property, which carries a penalty of up to 10 years in jail and a fine up to $10,000.00.

The below property is an example of what has been recovered, and counted, so far:

• 100s of cell phones
• 7 iPads
• 11 other notebooks/tablets
• Multiple other electronic items –  GPS, Xbox, Playstation, DVRs, etc.
• Assorted drugs  to include more than 500 packages of K2 spice, marijuana, paraphernalia
• Expired food and OTC medication

So far this year there have been more than 300 arrests for robbery and 300 arrests for theft, theft from auto, and receiving stolen property.  These numbers definitely show that we are working hard and holding people accountable for their crimes.

In closing, while I wanted to take a few minutes to fill you in on this significant case, our efforts to curb this problem will continue.  I believe our efforts are sending a clear message that these sort of criminal acts will not be tolerated in the District.