Irvine Police are actively seeking a female suspect wanted in connection with a series of retail thefts across southern Orange County. The investigation centers on an incident that occurred on August 1 at the Harbor Freight Tools store located at the intersection of Armstrong and Barranca. According to police reports, the suspect was captured on security video stealing two lithium jump-starter packs. After exiting the store with the merchandise, she entered the passenger side of an older black Chevrolet SUV, believed to be a Traverse, which was waiting for her in the parking lot. Investigators have identified the suspect through video footage from multiple retail locations, indicating a pattern of serial shoplifting behavior. The suspect is described as a woman, though specific physical details beyond her gender have not been fully detailed in the initial release. She is currently at large and has not been taken into custody. The alleged conduct involves grand theft, petty theft, commercial burglary, and organized retail theft under California Penal Code sections 487, 490.4, and 496. If convicted, the suspect could face significant penalties, including up to three years in county jail for felony grand theft and organized retail theft, as well as fines and restitution. Irvine Police are urging the public to review security footage and come forward with any information that could help locate the suspect or the accomplice driving the vehicle. The case highlights a broader trend of organized retail theft crews targeting high-value items such as tools and electronics in the region. Authorities emphasize that coordinated thefts involving multiple stores are becoming increasingly common in Orange County. The investigating agency is the Irvine Police Department. The public is encouraged to contact the department with any tips regarding the suspect's identity or location. No specific tip line number was provided in the initial report, but residents should contact Irvine Police non-emergency lines or visit the department's website for further information on how to submit anonymous tips. The suspect remains at large as of the publication date of September 5, 2026.