East SBV Times

Between June 14 and June 27, 2024, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, in collaboration with multiple agencies, conducted retail theft operations throughout San Bernardino County. The coordinated effort led to seven felony arrests and 20 misdemeanor arrests, recovering $9,573 in property.

The operation was a response to increasing thefts at retail stores involving organized crews engaging in robberies, burglaries, shelf sweeps, and vandalism. "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," stated a representative from the Sheriff's Department.

Operation Smash & Grab targeted shopping districts in Rancho Cucamonga, Apple Valley, Hesperia, Victorville, and Chino Hills. Investigators employed both conventional and non-conventional methods to disrupt these theft crews. The initiative aims to reduce the impact of such criminal activities on local communities.

The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors has authorized additional funds to support county-wide crime suppression efforts. This funding is intended to enhance law enforcement services addressing quality-of-life issues within the county.

For further information:

Public Affairs Division

Gangs/Narcotics Division

Phone: (909) 387-3700

Shannon D. Dicus,

Sheriff-Coroner,

San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department