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NC Police Bust 78 in Undercover 'Naughty List' Retail Sting
1 Jan
Summary
- Operation Naughty List targeted high-theft retail locations in Gastonia.
- Seventy-eight individuals were arrested, facing 154 charges ranging from larceny to drug possession.
- Over $4,300 in merchandise was recovered or protected from theft.
An undercover police operation in Gastonia, North Carolina, dubbed "Operation Naughty List," concluded on December 19, 2025, after apprehending 78 individuals. This initiative, running from November 28, 2025, focused on high-theft retail locations within the city, including major stores like Target and Walmart. The undercover officers worked alongside store loss-prevention professionals.
The operation led to a total of 154 charges filed against the arrested individuals. These charges encompassed a range of offenses, from misdemeanor and felony larceny to possession of controlled substances, trespassing, and addressing outstanding warrants. The Gastonia Police Department highlighted the success of the initiative in preventing theft in real-time and targeting repeat offenders.
During the sting, law enforcement officers successfully recovered or prevented the theft of merchandise valued at $4,342.85. This included efforts to thwart an attempted theft of $735 worth of items where anti-theft devices were deactivated. The undercover officers were described as blending in with shoppers in plain clothes.
