From Sept. 12-Oct. 3, investigators from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department – Gangs/Narcotics Division, along with deputies from patrol stations and personnel from partnering agencies, conducted a retail theft operation in Rancho Cucamonga. During the operation, investigators made nine misdemeanor arrests and six felony arrests and recovered approximately $3,900 in property. In November 2023, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department saw a rise in thefts at retail stores, often involving organized crews conspiring to commit robberies, burglaries, shelf sweeps and vandalism. “Operation Smash and Grab” focuses on the Rancho Cucamonga, Apple Valley, Hesperia, Victorville and Chino Hills shopping districts, aiming to disrupt and dismantle these retail theft crews. The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors has authorized additional funding for the Sheriff’s Department, allowing for increased law enforcement services related to retail theft and other quality-of-life issues.
‘Operation Smash and Grab’ leads to 15 arrests
31
