A group of four Oakland residents were taken into custody Wednesday afternoon following an organized retail theft at a Lululemon store in San Mateo. Police say approximately $6,000 worth of merchandise was stolen during the incident, which unfolded inside the Hillsdale Mall before suspects fled the scene in a vehicle later located in Oakland.
The stolen clothing was recovered in the investigation.
Theft Occurred in Broad Daylight at Hillsdale Mall
The San Mateo Lululemon theft was reported at 2:35 p.m. on November 26, 2025. Merchandise was taken in what investigators classified as an organized retail theft, involving both an adult and three minors. Authorities tracked the suspect vehicle to Oakland shortly after the incident, leading to arrests and recovery of the stolen products.
This case adds to an ongoing trend of retail crime across the region, with law enforcement identifying patterns involving coordinated store thefts and fast vehicle escapes.
One Adult Booked, Three Teens Released to Parents
Nineteen-year-old Charles Gaines II of Oakland was booked into San Mateo County Jail following the Hillsdale Mall theft. He faces multiple charges, including second-degree burglary, organized retail theft with intent to sell stolen merchandise, conspiracy, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Gaines is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, December 1.
The remaining three suspects — one male and two females, ages 14, 16, and 17 — were released into the custody of their parents or guardians. All three teens face accusations of second-degree burglary, organized retail theft with intent to sell, and conspiracy.
Authorities also noted that two of the teens are connected to a separate Lululemon theft involving $13,000 worth of items, though they remain suspects rather than confirmed offenders in that earlier event.
Retail Crime Pattern Raises Continued Concern
This incident highlights the rising visibility of organized retail theft in the Bay Area, a trend affecting both luxury and mid-range retailers. The swift recovery of merchandise and immediate arrests mark a significant enforcement response, particularly with minors involved. For businesses operating in high-traffic shopping centers, retail crime prevention remains a central priority as cases continue to surface.
The rapid location of the suspect vehicle and the recovery of goods prevented thousands in losses from circulating into resale markets.
Conclusion
The Hillsdale Mall theft resulted in four arrests and the retrieval of $6,000 in stolen merchandise. With charges ranging from burglary to conspiracy and organized retail theft, court proceedings are set to begin Monday for the adult suspect, while the three teens have been released pending further legal action. As authorities investigate related incidents, including a previous Lululemon loss totaling $13,000, retail theft remains a pressing public safety and economic concern across the Bay Area.
