East SBV Times

Between September 13 and September 26, 2024, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, in collaboration with the 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 across San Bernardino County.

During this period, authorities made three felony arrests and ten misdemeanor arrests. Additionally, they recovered $2,427 in property.

In November 2023, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department noted an increase in thefts at retail stores. These incidents often involved organized groups committing robberies, burglaries, shelf sweeps, and acts of vandalism. According to officials: "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 focuses on shopping districts in Rancho Cucamonga, Apple Valley, Hesperia, Victorville, and Chino Hills. The goal is to disrupt and dismantle these theft crews using both conventional and unconventional investigative methods.

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

For further information regarding this operation:

Refer: Public Affairs Division

Station: Gangs/Narcotics Division

Phone No.: (909) 387-3700

Shannon D. Dicus

Sheriff-Coroner

San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department