Between October 11 and October 24, 2025, a multi-agency operation led by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department targeted retail theft in Rancho Cucamonga. The effort, known as Operation Smash & Grab, included participation from 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, law enforcement made seven felony arrests and eight misdemeanor arrests. Investigators also recovered $3,937 worth of stolen property.
The initiative comes after concerns rose in November 2023 over an increase in organized retail thefts involving groups committing robberies, burglaries, shelf sweeps, and vandalism at local stores. These incidents have raised safety concerns for residents shopping in affected areas.
According to the press release: “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.”
Operation Smash & Grab targets several major shopping districts across Rancho Cucamonga as well as Apple Valley, Hesperia, Victorville, and Chino Hills. Investigators are using both conventional and non-conventional investigative techniques to disrupt these theft crews.
Funding for increased law enforcement activity has been provided by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors to address crime suppression efforts throughout the county. The additional resources are intended to support law enforcement services related to quality-of-life issues affecting local communities.
Recent changes in state law have also impacted these operations. On November 5, 2024, California voters approved Proposition 36—“The Homelessness, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act.” This measure took effect on December 18, 2024. It reforms elements of Proposition 47 that were linked with increases in homelessness and theft rates. Under Proposition 36 deputies can now apply new Penal and Health and Safety Codes during arrests when appropriate; these new charges may include enhanced sentencing or prevent offenders from being released before their court appearance. Six arrests made during this operation involved charges under Proposition 36.
“Operation SMASH & Grab focuses its efforts on the Rancho Cucamonga, Apple Valley, Hesperia, Victorville, and Chino Hills shopping districts to disrupt and dismantle these retail store theft crews,” according to the statement issued by authorities.
For further information about this case or ongoing investigations related to Operation Smash & Grab or similar efforts against organized retail crime in San Bernardino County communities contact the Public Affairs Division at (909) 387-3700.
