A Riverside County family was arrested in connection with a series of thefts targeting stores across Southern California.
The suspects, all residents of Jurupa Valley, were identified by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department as:
- Thomas Balandran, 50
- Sherri Alvarez, 48
- Brianna Balandran, 19
- Unidentified juvenile, 17
On April 24, deputies responded to a business in Temecula where thieves attempted to steal over $1,000 worth of merchandise.
Investigators identified the suspects and discovered they were responsible for at least 10 retail thefts throughout Riverside, San Bernardino, and Los Angeles counties. The family had reportedly stolen over $7,000 worth of items during those incidents, authorities said.
On May 13, a search warrant was served at a home in the 6800 block of Valley Way in Jurupa Valley.
During the search, deputies found a large amount of stolen merchandise with price tags still attached. Other items, including narcotics and paraphernalia, were also found in the home.
Detectives learned there were additional homes connected to the thefts that involved suspects knowingly buying stolen goods to resell for profit, also known as “fencing.”
On May 14, two additional warrants were served in Moreno Valley where over $3,000 worth of stolen items were found.
The adult family members were arrested on charges of organized retail theft, burglary, conspiracy, and grand theft. The 17-year-old juvenile was released to a family member and charges will be filed with juvenile probation.
Deputies discovered that Balandran was on probation for grand theft at the time and additional charges were added to include violation of probation and drug-related offenses.
Investigators believe there are more retail thefts involving the family that have not been reported.
Anyone with additional information can call Deputy Christina Weber at 951-696-3133.
“The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office has zero tolerance for these offenses and will continue to work proactively with our allied agencies, loss prevention partners, and the District Attorney’s Office to combat organized retail crime,” authorities said.
