Police Provide Update on Efforts to Address Retail Theft

ARLINGTON, Va. – The Arlington County Police Department (ACPD) is committed to identifying and implementing strategies to address emerging crime trends in accordance with our key initiative of Crime Prevention and Control. In 2024, Crimes Against Property offenses increased, primarily driven by an increase in shoplifting offenses. To address the increased reports of retail theft, officers continue to perform high-visibility enforcement patrols in commercial areas while conducting comprehensive investigations into reported incidents to identify and apprehend shoplifters.

As part of these efforts, ACPD and area loss prevention personnel conducted a retail theft detail in Pentagon City on Friday, May 30. The detail was a collaborative effort between law enforcement and the business community to identify and apprehend individuals suspected of theft. The efforts resulted in the arrest of seven individuals for Petit Larceny, one individual for Grand Larceny and the recovery of more than $6,000 in stolen merchandise.

Highlight of Significant Retail Theft Incidents

• Odell Branch, 67, of Washington, DC was arrested in the 1100 block of S. Hayes Street on January 14, 2025, following an extensive investigation into a series of thefts from businesses in Pentagon City which occurred between May 2024 and January 2025. As a result of the investigation, he was charged with Grand Larceny with Intent to Sell (x20), Grand Larceny (x6), Petit Larceny (x3) and Organized Retail Crime. He is being held in the Arlington County Detention Facility.
• Aaron Clark, 27, of Washington, DC was arrested in the 1100 block of S. Hayes Street on March 22, 2025, following an investigation into a series of thefts from businesses in Pentagon City which occurred between January and March 2025. As a result of the investigation, he was charged with Grand Larceny with Intent to Sell (x3), Grand Larceny (x4), Robbery, Petit Larceny (x7) and Obstruction of Justice (x3). He is being held in the Arlington County Detention Facility.
• Gregory Chambers, 26, of Washington, DC was arrested outside the Arlington County Courthouse on March 25, 2025, following an investigation into a series of thefts from businesses in Pentagon City. As a result of the investigation, he was charged with Petit Larceny (x4), Grand Larceny (x4), Grand Larceny with Intent to Sell (x4), Forgery, Identity Theft and Trespassing (x8).
• Mustapha Mboob, 41, of Gwynn Oak, MD was arrested on May 15, 2025, on outstanding warrants obtained following a burglary investigation at a business in Pentagon City. The subsequent investigation determined the suspect committed theft offenses in Pentagon City between September 2024 – May 2025. As a result of the investigation, he was arrested and charged with Burglary, Possession of Burglarious Tools, Unlawful Entry, Shoplifting, Petit Larceny and Trespassing (x3). The suspect has been linked to incidents throughout the region and the investigation into additional incidents is ongoing.

Shoplifting Crime Prevention Information

The Arlington County Police Department is committed to working with the business community to understand and address their concerns pertaining to crime and quality of life issues. ACPD has developed a business safety initiatives tips flyer and recommends the following crime prevention tips to help reduce incidents of shoplifting and retail theft:

• Greet customers as they enter your business to highlight to potential shoplifters that that you and your staff are actively engaged.
• Ensure you can see everything that goes on in your store.
• Keep counters low and mount mirrors in corners so there are no blind spots.
• Place high-end items away from exits.
• Alert employees are your best defense. Report in-progress incidents to the Emergency Communications Center at 703-558-2222. Late reports of incidents that are not currently in-progress can be reported online.

Media Contact

Communications Manager
Ashley Savage
703-228-4331

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