(KRON) -- An operation involving the resale of stolen merchandise was uncovered last week following an investigation into thefts from two Alameda businesses, police announced Wednesday. The Alameda Police Department responded to a reported retail theft at South Shore Shopping Center on the morning of March 17. Officers learned two individuals stole more than $4,500 worth of merchandise from a business before fleeing in an awaiting vehicle. Authorities said they were able to identify the suspect vehicle and one of the suspects while conducting an investigation. Two boats go up in flames overnight Wednesday in Alameda At 9:30 p.m. on the same day, an Alameda officer on patrol saw a person leaving a Webster Street business while carrying large trash bags “that appeared to be filled with merchandise,” police said. The person, according to authorities, was the suspect identified to be involved in the shopping center theft. The individual, who was not identified, was arrested for burglary and post-release community supervision violations. Authorities found the suspect vehicle associated with the shopping center theft at the Webster Street scene and towed it for evidence, Alameda PD said. (Alameda Police Department) Detectives learned that the stolen merchandise was allegedly being brought to other businesses “that facilitate the resale of these items,” police said, otherwise known as a fencing operation. On March 18, Alameda officers served search warrants to recover “numerous stolen items being resold at a Bay Area business,” according to the police department. No criminal action was announced in connection to the unnamed business. Alameda PD said the investigation remains ongoing. ...read more read less