Retail theft is on the rise across Arlington, and police say they’re stepping up their efforts in response. Pentagon City has become a hotspot, prompting a recent joint operation between Arlington County Police and store loss prevention teams. On Friday, May 30, that effort led to eight arrests and the recovery of more than $6,000 in stolen goods.
Officers made seven arrests for Petit Larceny and one for Grand Larceny during a targeted sweep of commercial areas. It’s part of a broader plan to combat what police describe as a troubling rise in property crimes, particularly shoplifting.
Repeat Offenders Tied to Multiple Incidents
Several individuals arrested earlier this year are being tied to larger, organized retail theft operations, according to ACPD:
-
Odell Branch, 67, from Washington, D.C., is facing over 30 charges, including 20 counts of Grand Larceny with Intent to Sell. Police say he targeted Pentagon City stores repeatedly between May 2024 and January 2025.
-
Aaron Clark, 27, also from D.C., was arrested in March and charged with a mix of larceny, robbery, and obstruction. Investigators say his thefts spanned from January to March.
-
Gregory Chambers, 26, was picked up right outside the Arlington County Courthouse in March. His charges include grand and petit larceny, forgery, identity theft, and trespassing.
-
Mustapha Mboob, 41, of Gwynn Oak, Maryland, is facing burglary and shoplifting charges after his arrest in May. Police say his crimes in Pentagon City date back to September and that he may be linked to thefts across the region.
Business Owners Encouraged to Stay Vigilant
Police say they’re not working alone—they’re urging store owners and workers to take simple steps to make their spaces harder to steal from:
-
Greet every customer as they walk in.
-
Remove blind spots with mirrors and low counters.
-
Keep expensive items far from the exit.
-
Train staff to stay alert and report suspicious behavior right away.
For emergencies or incidents in progress, call 703-558-2222. You can also file a report online for incidents that have already happened.
Arlington police say these efforts aren’t just about recovering stolen goods—they’re about making sure residents, workers, and business owners feel safe.