East SBV Times

Between September 26 and October 11, 2024, law enforcement agencies in San Bernardino County conducted a targeted crime suppression operation named "Operation Smash & Grab." This initiative aimed to address the rise in organized retail theft across the region.

The operation involved collaboration between multiple agencies, including the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department's Gangs/Narcotics Division, Rancho Cucamonga Station, San Bernardino County Probation Department, Homeland Security Investigations, California Highway Patrol, and the San Bernardino Police Department. During this period, authorities made six felony arrests and 20 misdemeanor arrests. They also recovered stolen property valued at $16,130.26.

The concern over increased thefts at retail stores emerged in November 2023. These incidents often involved organized crews engaging in robberies, burglaries, shelve sweeps, and vandalism. The operations were characterized by intimidation tactics that created an unsafe environment for shoppers in San Bernardino County.

"Operation SMASH & Grab focuses its efforts on the Rancho Cucamonga, Apple Valley, Hesperia, Victorville, and Chino Hills shopping districts to disrupt and dismantle these retail store theft crews," according to the statement from law enforcement officials. Investigators employed both conventional and non-conventional methods to achieve their objectives.

To support these efforts financially, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors authorized funds aimed at county-wide crime suppression. This funding is intended to enhance law enforcement services related to quality-of-life issues affecting local communities.

For further information or inquiries regarding this operation or related cases, individuals can contact the Public Affairs Division of the Gangs/Narcotics Division at (909) 387-3700.

Sheriff-Coroner Shannon D. Dicus from the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department oversaw these operations as part of ongoing efforts to combat organized crime within the community.