In a major clampdown on organized retail theft, over 30 individuals were arrested in San Bernardino County as part of Operation Smash & Grab, a crime suppression initiative involving several law enforcement agencies. The operation, which ran from November 23 through November 29, was a collaborative effort across multiple jurisdictions, including investigators from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s Gangs/Narcotics Division, the Rancho Cucamonga Station, San Bernardino County Probation Department, Homeland Security Investigations, California Highway Patrol, and the San Bernardino Police Department. According to a report published on December 4th, the operation was aimed at addressing the spike in thefts at retail stores, the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department said.

The joint task force made a significant dent in the operations of theft crews by making 13 felony arrests and 20 misdemeanor arrests, while also recovering merchandise valued at $2,166.91. These crews are known for their violent tactics and the fear they instill in both customers and retailers alike, often conspiring to rob, burgle, and vandalize, by "utilizing intimidation tactics and a mob mentality that creates an unsafe and uncomfortable shopping environment for our residents," Sheriff-Coroner Shannon D. Dicus said. The focus of Operation Smash & Grab included shopping areas in Rancho Cucamonga, Apple Valley, Hesperia, Victorville, and Chino Hills.

This enforcement surge was supported by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, who authorized additional funds for county-wide crime suppression efforts. This financial injection is intended to bolster the capabilities of the Sheriff’s Department to provide enhanced law enforcement services. These services are directed at improving quality-of-life issues which have been causing concern in various communities in the county.

As these theft crews continue to challenge the safety and security of the neighborhoods, operations like Smash & Grab are essential. The recovered property, although amounting to little over $2,000, symbolizes a more substantial effort in law enforcement's fight against the blight of retail crime. For more details on this operation, the public can refer to the Public Affairs Division at the Gangs/Narcotics Division by calling (909) 387-3700 or by visiting their official website.