LOUDON COUNTY (WATE) - 50 people were arrested during Loudon County's joint operation "Operation Safe Shopper."

The operation was led by the the 9th Judicial Task Force. The operation was an effort to curtail organized retail theft at local retailers during the holidays.

The operation is a combined effort by the Loudon County Sheriff's Office, Lenoir City Police Department, Loudon Police Department, loss prevention associates and agents of the task force.

In the weeks prior Christmas, law enforcement agents saturated the area to identify individuals and groups targeting store to commit theft and fraud.

Throughout the course of the operation, 50 people were arrested on several charges. Those charges included theft, fraud, criminal impersonation, burglary, counterfeit money, identity theft, drug crimes and criminal warrants.

In total, "Operation Safe Shopper" recovered more than $12,000 in stolen merchandise, several different drugs and personal information, credit card numbers and social security numbers, on over 50 victims. There were 21 felony charges, 49 misdemeanor charges and the service of 10 outstanding warrants.