Two Hesperia residents, Matthew Forsberg, 42, and Kristofer Simpson, 40, have been arrested in connection with a series of eleven burglaries targeting multiple businesses in the City of Hesperia, officials reported. The Hesperia Police Department worked in concert with the Sheriff’s Gangs/Narcotics Division, focusing on retail theft to track down and apprehend the suspects.
Investigators served several search warrants in Hesperia which led to the discovery of additional evidence implicating Forsberg and Simpson in the burglaries, the Hesperia Police Department stated this evidence alongside Ramey Warrants which yielded approval for the arrest of both suspects. Forsberg was nabbed at a business located in the 17000 block of Main Street and Simpson at a residence on Gateside Court in Victorville on June 19, 2024, they were subsequently booked into the High Desert Detention Center with Forsberg's bail set at $350,000 and Simpson's at $500,000.
Concerns regarding a spike in thefts at retail stores escalated in November 2023, leading the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department to classify the participating criminals as using intimidation tactics and a mob mentality, which significantly compromised the shopping experience and safety of the county's residents. These activities prompted the launch of Operation SMASH & Grab, aimed at tackling the organized theft rings particularly rampant in multiple shopping districts including Rancho Cucamonga and Apple Valley as well as Hesperia, Victorville, and Chino Hills.
Efforts to dismantle the criminal crews consist of a mix of traditional and inventive investigative approaches the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors has also authorized supplemental funds geared towards crime suppression in the county. This budgetary increase is intended to bolster the Sheriff's Department resources, emphasizing the enhancement of law enforcement services connected to community quality-of-life issues. Officials emphasize the need for public partnership in these efforts anyone holding information pertinent to these investigations is encouraged to reach out to Detective D. Lopez at the Hesperia Police Department or the We-Tip Hotline.
