Between March 1 and March 14, 2025, a collaborative retail theft operation was conducted in San Bernardino County. The operation involved the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s 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 made six felony arrests and 13 misdemeanor arrests while recovering $3,527 worth of property. This initiative is part of “Operation Smash & Grab,” which targets organized retail theft crews in shopping districts such as Rancho Cucamonga, Apple Valley, Hesperia, Victorville, and Chino Hills.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has been concerned about increasing thefts at retail stores since November 2023. These incidents often involve organized groups using intimidation tactics that create an unsafe environment for shoppers.
To support these efforts, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors has allocated funds to enhance county-wide crime suppression initiatives. This funding aims to bolster law enforcement services addressing quality-of-life issues affecting local communities.
On November 5, 2024, California voters approved Proposition 36: “The Homelessness, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act.” Effective December 18, 2024, this proposition reforms several laws from Proposition 47. It introduces new Penal and Health and Safety Codes that deputies can apply during arrests when appropriate. Three of the recent arrests were made under Proposition 36 guidelines.
For further information on this operation or related cases (Case Nos. provided), contact the Public Affairs Division at (909) 387-3700.
“SHANNON D. DICUS,” Sheriff-Coroner of the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department.
