TUCSON (KGUN-TV) - December is historically known as the busiest month for burglary and theft. For the fourth year in a row, the U.S. Marshal Service cracked down on property crime during the holiday season.
33 arrests just in Tucson. 161 in Phoenix and 11 in Yuma.
The operation focused on fugitives wanted for property crimes including robbery, burglary, theft, larceny and drugs.
"We're our here in numbers and we're gonna find you and we'll bring you to justice," said U.S. Marshall PIO Nathan Alexander. He says that is the message he has for wanted crooks this holiday season.
Alexander, along with members of local law enforcement, spent three days working on Operation Grinch Stopper 2015. The state-wide fugitive enforcement focuses on individuals with outstanding warrants for property crimes in an effort to reduce the number of "Grinches" trying to steal Christmas.
"Historically there is an increase in property related crimes during the holiday season with people shopping for gifts, carrying larger sums of money," Alexander said.
Investigators with the operation work to develop leads on where the individuals might be.
After the three days were up, the marshals service reported more than 200 fugitives arrested and nearly 230 warrants cleared. As far as the lucky ones who did not get caught this time, their cases will continue to be investigated.
