OVERLAND PARK, Kan. -- Organized retail crime costs retailers billions of dollars annually and local law enforcement agencies are reaching out to the public for help.

Overland Park Police have issued arrest warrants for Jamesetta Anderson, 37, and Kevin Christopher Estell, 39, who are wanted for their connection to an organized theft group that has been operating in Overland Park.

"The sole purpose of this group is to steal merchandise from retailers in the Kansas City metropolitan area," said Detective Dennis Reaser of the Overland Park Police Department.

Reaser heads up a task force that has been investigating the theft ring. Reaser gave KCTV5 a look while officers were bagging and cataloging $40,000 worth of items they said was taken from at least 70 different retailers.

"I know these two individuals are out and about," he said. "We still want to get them and they are probably doing the same exact stuff that they are always going to do -- steal."

Police have at least two individuals in custody who are believed to be part of the theft ring, but they are now asking for the public's help in tracking down Anderson and Estell.

Reaser said anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the two individuals should call the Tips hotline at 816-574-TIPS or contact the Overland Park Police Department.