Arrests Made In Theft Of $1.5 Million In Plastic Crates From Stores

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - Nearly two dozen people were arrested as Miami-Dade police wrapped up an eight month investigation into theft of plastic crates from retail stores.

The investigation was launched based on information received from a private investigator contracted by the retail stores.

Investigators say thousands of crates, used to carry bread and milk to the stores, were being stolen daily from these businesses.  They would be taken to grinders throughout Miami-Dade, which identified themselves as a plastic recycling centers, in return for cash.

Police said more than $1.5 million in crates were taken from the stores.

The 20 individuals arrested are facing criminal Racketeering charges together with multiple civil penalties.