ALTO’s proactive and collaborative approach showcases how accountability and impactful resolutions can be achieved, even with the most persistent retail crime offenders. This case study explores how ALTO’s efforts addressed a repeat offender targeting multiple ALTO-supported retail stores in Puerto Rico, bringing accountability and improving safety for the stores, the community, and the island as a whole.

The ALTO Puerto Rico team first identified the case in May 2022, when a repeat offender was targeting high-value products across several ALTO-partnered stores in the metropolitan regions of Bayamon and Guaynabo. Over a three-month spree (May–July 2022), the individual stole approximately $3,000 worth of merchandise.

Building the Case 

Taking swift action, ALTO began documenting the incidents and coordinating with the affected stores to file police reports and establish a paper trail for the subsequent investigation. ALTO also provided expert support in compiling video evidence and item lists, liaising closely with law enforcement officials, and engaging with the prosecutor’s office to move the case forward.

ALTO’s Puerto Rico team assisted the store staff during each phase of the investigative process, providing direct communication with police and prosecutors and ensuring the compilation of all necessary evidence. After careful evaluation, the prosecutor’s office initiated legal proceedings.

As a result, the offender faced four felony charges of aggravated theft and also received four misdemeanor shoplifting charges. Ultimately, the court issued a bail order of $7,000 and placed the offender in a Drug Court Deferred Program in September 2022 for a sentence between 18 months and 5 years. Additionally, the ALTO legal team secured a stay-away order barring the offender from entering any ALTO-partnered client stores. 

By mid-2023, the offender violated the stay-away order and began posing a recurring threat to two additional stores located on the opposite side of Puerto Rico. ALTO promptly intervened once again to resolve the situation.

Continued Violations in 2023

On June 20, 2023, reports and clear photographic evidence from two stores on the West side of Puerto Rico pointed to activity from the same offender. ALTO quickly engaged with the store asset protection manager to ensure timely police reports were filed. Collaborating closely with law enforcement, ALTO provided key case details, including previous court documents, a copy of the stay-away order that was violated, and contact information for investigative follow-up. 

Law enforcement authorities acted efficiently thanks to ALTO’s involvement. By September 2023, the offender faced six total charges:

• Two felonies of aggravated theft 
• Two shoplifting misdemeanors with felony penalties 
• Two violations of the stay-away order (misdemeanors with felony penalties) 

A bail of $40,000 was issued, and the individual, already in police custody for unrelated domestic violence charges, remained detained. The offender ultimately pleaded guilty to two felony charges of aggravated theft, two shoplifting violations, and violations of the stay-away order. He was sentenced to 18 months of jail time, to be served consecutively with his prior sentencing revocation. The total sentence reached 4 years and 6 months of incarceration. 

Key Takeaways 

This case highlights ALTO’s essential role as a trusted partner in advancing cases across the red zone and toward accountability, ensuring the continued safety of stores.

• Comprehensive Incident Management: ALTO connects retailers with law enforcement and prosecutors while managing the administrative burden on behalf of store teams. This detailed coordination ensures legal processes move forward effectively. 
• Vital Case Building:  From video footage to in-depth case documentation, ALTO’s ability to gather, organize, and present evidence played a pivotal role in supporting the prosecutor’s office in both cases. 
• Thorough Collaboration for Long-Term Safety: By coordinating with key stakeholders, ALTO ensures offenders are met with appropriate consequences, reducing the likelihood of further crimes in partnered locations. The additional stay-away order enforcement further emphasizes long-term protection for retailers. 
• Team and Community Engagement: ALTO streamlines communication with store staff, providing support all throughout investigative and judicial processes. By minimizing courtroom obligations, ALTO enables retailers to stay focused on running their business.

By aligning retailers, law enforcement, and prosecutors, ALTO delivers real consequences that reduce risks for the stores and foster safer communities.  Our red zone strategy unites retailers, law enforcement, and communities to create safer stores while helping retailers overcome challenges and build lasting safety and accountability.