Eleven Gang Members Charged in Multimillion-Dollar Theft Spree Across Bay Area

Eleven alleged members of an Antioch-Pittsburg street gang have been charged by the Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office in connection to a multi-million dollar theft spree that targeted retailers and delivery trucks across several Bay Area cities, including Concord, Walnut Creek, San Ramon, and Brentwood. The 33-count felony complaint includes charges such as conspiracy, grand theft, robbery, and enhancements for street terrorism and high-value property theft. Prosecutors allege the group stole merchandise from stores like Sunglass Hut, Chanel, Nordstrom, and Alo Yoga, and tobacco products from delivery trucks, often using stolen vehicles to evade police during dangerous pursuits. A notable incident involved suspect Robert Crawford and three others stealing tobacco products from a 7-Eleven before crashing their getaway vehicle at an elementary school and being apprehended. Eight of the suspects are currently in custody with a combined bail nearing $22 million, as authorities intensify efforts to curb organized retail crime. District Attorney Diana Becton emphasized the need for a coordinated law enforcement response to address the scale and brazenness of these organized thefts.