Between June 28 and July 11, 2025, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department led a retail theft operation named “Operation Smash & Grab.” The operation involved multiple agencies including the Gangs/Narcotics Division, Rancho Cucamonga Station, San Bernardino County Probation Department, Homeland Security Investigations, California Highway Patrol, and the San Bernardino Police Department. It targeted theft activities in various shopping districts across San Bernardino County.
During this period, law enforcement officials made three felony arrests and 16 misdemeanor arrests. They also recovered $1,464 worth of stolen property. The initiative was prompted by concerns over increasing thefts at retail stores involving organized criminal groups that engage in robberies and vandalism.
The operation aimed to disrupt these criminal activities in areas such as Rancho Cucamonga, Apple Valley, Hesperia, Victorville, and Chino Hills. The approach included both conventional and non-conventional investigative methods to address these crimes effectively.
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors provided funding to enhance crime suppression efforts county-wide. This funding supports increased law enforcement services focusing on quality-of-life issues within the community.
Additionally, Proposition 36 titled “The Homelessness, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act” was passed by California voters on November 5, 2024. Effective December 18, 2024, it reformed laws from Proposition 47 related to homelessness and theft. Proposition 36 includes new Penal and Health and Safety Codes applicable during arrests which may result in enhanced sentencing for offenders.
Sheriff Shannon D. Dicus of the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department emphasized the department’s commitment to maintaining safety for residents against organized retail crime.
For further information regarding this operation or specific cases related to it, contact the Public Affairs Division at (909) 387-3700.
