Undercover Police Operation Rounds Up 27 People in Raleigh

The undercover operation targeted businesses and individuals believed to be receiving and re-selling stolen property.

Some of the items recovered Monday through search warrants are new, and others are used. The police sting operation was not aimed at thieves but at those who buy and re-sell stolen property.

"We went in with the agents, and they, in fact, presented themselves as thieves and presented the property as stolen. And in many cases, used the word stolen," said Raleigh Police Captain M.R. Longmire.

Police rounded up people at 18 businesses throughout east and southeast Raleigh and arrested several taxi drivers following the investigation.

After a three month long sting operation, Raleigh police say they've recovered thousands of dollars in stolen merchandise.

"TVs, VCRs, computers, weapons, cigarettes, over-the-counter medication, that's the type of property," said Longmire.

Longmire says community leaders helped identify businesses that bought the stolen items for cash which was later used by thieves to buy drugs.

Most of those arrested Monday have no previous record. However, Longmire says that does not mean they have not been involved in previous criminal activity.

Police will continue to target those involved with dealing in stolen property.

Longmire says police may take additional action against businesses involved in the sting operation.