The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department announced on May 5 that a targeted crime suppression effort, Operation Smash & Grab, led to multiple arrests and the recovery of stolen property in Rancho Cucamonga between April 18 and May 1.
The operation was conducted in response to rising incidents of organized retail theft affecting local businesses and residents. The Sheriff’s Department said it partnered with several 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.
During this period, investigators made five misdemeanor arrests and two felony arrests. Authorities also recovered $3,276 worth of property. “In November 2023, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department became concerned with the rise in thefts at retail stores, which often involved organized crews that conspire to commit robberies, burglaries, shelve sweeps, and vandalisms. These violent criminals terrorize the citizens of San Bernardino County by utilizing intimidation tactics and a mob mentality that creates an unsafe and uncomfortable shopping environment for our residents,” said Shannon D. Dicus.
Operation Smash & Grab focuses on disrupting organized retail theft crews across several shopping districts including Rancho Cucamonga. The department uses both conventional and non-conventional investigative methods as part of these efforts. Funding for county-wide crime suppression has been authorized by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors to increase law enforcement services related to quality-of-life issues affecting local communities.
Recent changes in state law have impacted how such crimes are prosecuted. “On November 5, 2024, California voters passed Proposition 36 titled ‘The Homelessness, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act.’ The proposition took effect on December 18, 2024… Proposition 36 includes several new Penal and Health and Safety Codes that deputies will be able to apply during arrests when appropriate. These new charges can carry enhanced sentencing as well as prevent offenders from being cite released prior to their court appearance,” said Dicus.
Shannon D. Dicus serves as sheriff-coroner for an agency that provides collaborative law enforcement services through professional means while serving more than 2.1 million residents with fifteen patrol stations; its operations include a dispatch center handling numerous service calls along with a historical society museum preserving departmental heritage according to the official website.
