Between March 15 and March 28, 2025, a targeted crime suppression operation, named Operation Smash & Grab, was carried out across San Bernardino County. The operation was a collaborative effort involving the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department – Gangs/Narcotics Division, Rancho Cucamonga Station, San Bernardino County Probation Department, Homeland Security Investigations, California Highway Patrol, and the San Bernardino Police Department.
During this period, authorities arrested ten individuals for felony offenses and fourteen for misdemeanor offenses, and recovered stolen property valued at $2,216. The operation was prompted by a concern over increasing retail thefts, often conducted by organized groups engaged in robberies, burglaries, and vandalism. These crimes have been creating a climate of fear and discomfort for residents in the region.
Operation Smash & Grab targeted shopping areas in Rancho Cucamonga, Apple Valley, Hesperia, Victorville, and Chino Hills, seeking to dismantle theft networks using various investigative techniques.
Funding for this crime suppression initiative was authorized by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, to enhance law enforcement efforts aimed at improving community safety and quality of life.
A recent legal change has influenced the operation, with California voters approving Proposition 36 in November 2024. Officially effective on December 18, 2024, Proposition 36 reforms laws previously stipulated under Proposition 47, which were linked to an increase in homelessness, drug addiction, and theft. The new law provides authorities with additional legal tools during arrests, including enhanced sentencing and preventing offenders from being released before court appearances. During Operation Smash & Grab, six arrests involved charges under Proposition 36.
For further information, the public can contact the Public Affairs Division of the Gangs/Narcotics Division.
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department’s Sheriff Shannon D. Dicus is named in relation to the operation.
Refer: Public Affairs Division
Station: Gangs/Narcotics Division
Phone No. (909) 387-3700
Case Nos: 112502812, 112502916, 112502920, 112502956, 112502994, 112503016, 112503053, 112503055, 112503080, 112503083, 112503190
