San Bernardino County's crackdown on retail thefts, dubbed Operation Smash & Grab, led to 27 more arrests over the past two weeks. As reported by Nixle, the operation involved collaborations amongst various divisions, including the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department – Gangs/Narcotics Division, San Bernardino County Probation Department, and Homeland Security Investigations, along with several local law enforcement agencies. In a time span from June 14 to June 27, 2024, investigators conducted targeted raids in different shopping districts within the county.
The law enforcement agencies recovered a total of $9,573 worth of property during the operation. Of the arrests made, seven were felonies and 20 were misdemeanors. "These violent criminals terrorize the citizens of San Bernardino County by utilizing intimidation tactics and a mob mentality," the Sheriff’s Department explained in a statement, highlighting the negative impact such criminal activities have on local communities. The focus is spread among high-target areas, including Rancho Cucamonga, Apple Valley, Hesperia, Victorville, and Chino Hills.
According to the Sheriff’s Department, the operation aims to disrupt and dismantle the organized theft crews responsible for a spate of robberies, burglaries, and vandalism that threaten the safety of shoppers. Their methods include both conventional and non-conventional investigative techniques, designed to mitigate the 'blight' caused by these criminal operations.
The law enforcement's bolstered efforts are thanks to funds authorized by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors. This financial backing is a strategic move for ramping up county-wide crime suppression, especially in light of recent spikes in thefts and other crimes affecting the quality of life of San Bernardino residents. The additional funding allows for increased policing intended to address these pressing community concerns.
For more information, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has invited inquiries through their Public Affairs Division at (909) 387-3700. All the arrests and property recoveries from Operation Smash & Grab are documented under case numbers ranging from 112406521 to 112407115, details of which can be found through the official channels of the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department.
