East SBV Times

Between July 26 and August 8, 2024, investigators from 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 conducted a retail theft operation throughout San Bernardino County.

During the operation, investigators made 17 felony arrests and 19 misdemeanor arrests and recovered $25,411 in property.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department expressed concern over the rise in thefts at retail stores. These incidents often involved organized crews conspiring to commit robberies, burglaries, shelve 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 the department.

Operation Smash & Grab focused on Rancho Cucamonga, Apple Valley, Hesperia, Victorville, and Chino Hills shopping districts to disrupt and dismantle these retail store theft crews. Investigators employed both conventional and non-conventional investigative methods to address this issue.

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

For further information:

Public Affairs Division

Gangs/Narcotics Division

Phone No. (909) 387-3700

Shannon D. Dicus,

Sheriff-Coroner,

San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department