Arrests made in mass thefts from Bay Area T.J. Maxx stores

SAN JOSE — Authorities have announced arrests and the recovery of roughly $380,000 worth of merchandise stolen from T.J. Maxx stores throughout the Bay Area, following an organized retail theft investigation by the Santa Clara County sheriff’s and district attorney’s offices.

Eight people were arrested in San Jose on Aug. 12 in connection with the case, according to the sheriff’s office, and eight more are being sought.

“The successful take down of this organized retail theft crew reflects the dedication, professionalism, and teamwork of everyone involved,” Sheriff Robert Jonsen said in a statement Tuesday.

The investigation was launched in May after T.J. Maxx officials contacted the sheriff’s office to report that a group was targeting the discount department chain’s Bay Area stores, including repeated thefts on a single day. The stolen goods were believed to have been later sold at flea markets in San Jose, the sheriff’s office said.

In the ensuing months, investigators with the sheriff’s office and district attorney’s office conducted surveillance and monitored the group, leading to them identify 16 suspects and five locations where the stolen goods — which included clothing, luggage, home goods and other sundries — were stored, authorities said.