Between September 13 and September 26, 2025, several law enforcement agencies collaborated on a retail theft operation in Rancho Cucamonga. 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 worked together to address an increase in organized retail thefts.
During this period, investigators made five felony arrests and 11 misdemeanor arrests. They also recovered $3,029 worth of stolen property.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department had previously noted a rise in thefts at retail stores beginning in November 2023. These incidents often involved organized groups committing robberies, burglaries, shelf sweeps, and vandalism. According to the department: “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 shopping districts in Rancho Cucamonga as well as Apple Valley, Hesperia, Victorville, and Chino Hills. The operation uses both conventional and non-conventional investigative methods to disrupt these theft crews.
Funding for county-wide crime suppression was authorized by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors. This funding aims to support increased law enforcement services focused on quality-of-life issues within local communities.
California voters passed Proposition 36 on November 5, 2024. Known as “The Homelessness, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act,” it took effect on December 18 of that year. The proposition introduced reforms to laws established under Proposition 47 that were linked to increases in homelessness, drug addiction, and theft across the state. Under Proposition 36: “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.” Two arrests during Operation SMASH & Grab were made under these new provisions.
For further information about this operation or related cases (case numbers provided), contact the Public Affairs Division at (909) 387-3700.
