Roseville police say they have arrested 29 people in a blitz as part of a metro-wide initiative to stop rising retail thefts.

One of the 29 was arrested Wednesday in connection with the felony theft of more than $25,000 in merchandize from stores in Roseville, Maplewood, Richfield, Oakdale, Apple Valley, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie and Rochester. The thefts occurred between June 2024 and March 2025.

“We know organized retail crime is a growing problem in communities across the country. These highly organized crime rings are stealing and reselling millions of dollars in merchandise, negatively impacting local businesses, employees, community members and our local economy,” said Police Chief Erika Scheider. “Roseville Police, in coordination with the Minnesota Organized Retail Crime Association, is taking proactive steps to address these issues in our community.”

During the operation, retailers were instructed to call the Roseville Police Department’s retail unit directly to report thefts in real time. The department then deployed officers and marked squads to the area to be in position when the suspects left the store. Other police staff provided real-time intelligence on suspects and vehicles at various locations and were able to direct police to locate and detain getaway drivers.

Seven of the people arrested were booked at the Ramsey County Law Enforcement Center on felony or gross misdemeanor charges. The remaining suspects were issued citations for misdemeanors.

Police recovered more than $5,100 in merchandise that was returned to retailers. Local retailers, including those in Har Mar, Target, Rosedale Center, Rosedale Commons and nearby strip malls, participated by bolstering their staffing, with some bringing in national loss prevention teams to assist.

— Kristi Miller

Events feature leader of American Legion

American Legion National Commander James LaCoursiere Jr. is in Minnesota this month to raise awareness about the Legion’s “Be the One” efforts to prevent veteran suicide.

On Monday, LaCoursiere will be the featured speaker at an event at the American Legion Post No. 225 in Forest Lake. On Tuesday, he will speak at a breakfast event at American Legion Post No. 1776 in Apple Valley.

LaCoursiere was elected national commander of the American Legion on Aug. 29 during the 105th national convention in New Orleans.

Veteran suicide is the “most significant issue facing veterans,” LaCoursiere told the convention after being elected. “It is the most significant issue of our time. It’s also an issue that galvanizes all of us. I know that we are all touched by someone who has taken their own life.”

A U.S. Air Force veteran and member of American Legion Post 91 in Moosup, Conn., LaCoursiere will visit Forest Lake Post No. 225 at 355 W. Broadway Ave. for a social hour, dinner and presentation starting at 5 p.m. Monday and talk with veterans, community leaders and local residents.

The event is open to the public; cost of dinner is $10 for members of the post and $20 for nonmembers.

To RSVP for the Forest Lake event, call Terry Larson at 651-464-2600, ext. 308.

LaCoursiere will visit Post No. 1776 at 14521 Granada Drive in Apple Valley for a breakfast and presentation starting at 8:15 a.m. Tuesday. The event is open to the public. If interested in attending, call Carla Tappainer at 952-240-7849.

For information on other Minnesota stops, visit legionnaire.org.

— Mary Divine