In a concerted effort to clamp down on retail theft, San Bernardino County's law enforcement agencies have wrapped up a two-week operation, which has seen the arrest of dozens and the recovery of thousands in property. This crackdown, part of Operation Smash & Grab, took place from May 17 to May 30, arresting 42 individuals and retrieving $8,162 worth of stolen goods, as reported in a release by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.
Spanning several shopping districts, including Rancho Cucamonga, Apple Valley, Hesperia, Victorville, and Chino Hills, the operation targeted organized theft crews known for their aggressive tactics and a group mentality that creates an atmosphere of fear among shoppers and businesses alike. The operation was supported by funding from the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, which aims to address quality-of-life issues affecting local communities investigators worked not only using conventional methods but also employed non-conventional tactics to ensure the dismantling of these crews.
Recent legislative changes have been pivotal in supporting the operation's success. "The Homelessness, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act," also known as Proposition 36, which was passed by California voters in late 2024, bolstered law enforcement's ability to handle theft, homelessness, and drug addiction more effectively. The proposition introduced new Penal and Health and Safety Codes allowing for enhanced sentences and reducing the likelihood of offenders being released before court appearances, crucially applied to five of the aforementioned arrests.
According to the law enforcement bulletin, these focused suppressions are a direct response to the surge in thefts at retail stores that began troubling the area back in November 2023 these criminal groups employ intimidation and other mob tactics to terrorize the populace. The multi-agency operation included the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department – Gangs/Narcotics Division, Rancho Cucamonga Station, the San Bernardino County Probation Department, Homeland Security Investigations, California Highway Patrol, and the San Bernardino Police Department, all collaborating in a concerted effort to restore safety and security to the county's shopping environments.
For those interested in further details regarding the operation, arrests, and the coordinated approach taken by the different agencies, the Sheriff’s Department has listed comprehensive information related to the operation on their official Nixle alert page.
