SARASOTA COUNTY — A Sarasota County Sheriff’s operation focusing on curbing retail theft netted 40 arrests, several of which are residents of area communities, according to a report.

The operation, dubbed “Operation Booster Buster III,” is a public-private partnership with major local retailers that is aimed at reducing retail theft, the report states. The operation resulted in 22 felony charges and 44 misdemeanors. The 40 offenders who were arrested have a combined 344 prior felony charges and 343 prior misdemeanor charges, the report states.