Arlington Heights Police Lead Joint Investigation Resulting in Arrest of 4 in Organized Retail Theft Ring

The Arlington Heights Police Department led a joint investigation into a retail theft ring along with the Cook County State’s Attorney Regional Organized Crime Task Force, the Bloomingdale Police Department, the Downers Grove Police Department, the Gurnee Police Department, the Niles Police Department, the Northbrook Police Department, the Schaumburg Police Department and the Vernon Hills Police Department. They received cooperation and assistance from the following retailers; Bed Bath & Beyond, HHGregg, Hobby Lobby, Home Depot and Toys R Us.

The four-month investigation culminated on Saturday, February 14, when search warrants were executed at the offenders’ homes and bank safe deposit boxes. Four of the five offenders were arrested; the fifth offender is expected to surrender this week. None of the offenders are employed. Over $20,000 in stolen merchandise has been recovered. A Mercedes Benz, Two firearms, over $45,000 in jewelry and $100,000 in cash were seized.

The retail theft ring targeted businesses in the greater Chicago area. The thefts were conducted using diversionary tactics to distract loss prevention agents/employees. They targeted Apple, Samsung, Roomba vacuums and Lego products. The stolen merchandise was
then sold through an Internet auction site.

The following suspects were arrested …

Dragan Moro Owens, a male/white born October 14, 1978
3505 Carol Lane, Northbrook, IL

Natsasa Petrov, a female/white born March 1, 1980
3505 Carol Lane, Northbrook, IL

Kochak Owens, male/white born August 9, 1996
3505 Carol Lane, Northbrook, IL

Zvanko Dobobrov, a male/white born September 1, 1993
2290 Cedar Court, Northbrook, IL

All suspects were charged with continuing a Financial Crime Enterprise 720 ILSC 5/10.6(h)

Court date for the suspects is February 17, 2015 at 9:30 a.m. Room 108.

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