East SBV Times

Between May 3 and May 16, 2024, investigators from the Rancho Cucamonga Station, the Gangs/Narcotics Division, the San Bernardino County Probation Department, Homeland Security Investigations, California Highway Patrol, and the San Bernardino Police Department conducted retail theft operations throughout San Bernardino County.

During this period, authorities made 11 felony arrests and 11 misdemeanor arrests, recovering $5,955 in property.

In November 2023, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department expressed concern over a rise in thefts at retail stores. These incidents often involved organized crews conspiring to commit robberies, burglaries, shelf sweeps, and acts of vandalism. According to officials, these criminals create an unsafe shopping environment by using intimidation tactics and a mob mentality.

Operation Smash & Grab focused on disrupting and dismantling these retail theft crews in shopping districts across Rancho Cucamonga, Apple Valley, Hesperia, Victorville, and Chino Hills. Investigators employed both conventional and non-conventional methods to address the issue.

The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors authorized funds to assist with county-wide crime suppression efforts. The aim is to provide additional funding to the Sheriff’s Department for increased law enforcement services related to quality-of-life issues affecting local communities.

Refer: Public Affairs Division

Station: Gangs/Narcotics Division

Phone No.: (909) 387-3700

Case Nos.: 112404870 through 112405391

Shannon D. Dicus

Sheriff-Coroner

San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department