DATE: November 21, 2023
ANNOUNCEMENT: Operation Smash and Grab
SUMMARY: The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department will have deputies and detectives working undercover in retail stores throughout the county. The objective is to provide a safe and welcoming environment for residents while simultaneously disrupting and dismantling retail theft crews that victimize businesses in our area of responsibility.
Participating retail stores and small businesses have their loss prevention and store managers in direct contact with investigators for real-time communication to target in-progress crimes. Sheriff’s Department personnel will also be monitoring parking lots that surround the businesses and a vehicle equipped with an Automated License Plate Reader will be deployed throughout the operation to detect stolen vehicles and vehicle associated with ongoing criminal investigations.
The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s office is working with our investigators to review reports, file cases and keep investigators informed of any follow-up investigation needed to ensure a streamlined review and filing process.
“This holiday season our office remains focused on ensuring the safety of our community and businesses. By working together with law enforcement and businesses across the county, we will seek prosecution and accountability for individuals who choose to engage in unlawful behavior such as retail theft crimes, buying or selling stolen property, or organized crime schemes at multiple locations. “- District Attorney John Anderson
“Deputy Sheriff’s will be undercover in retail stores throughout the county with the purpose of arresting actors engaged in retail theft. Working together with our District Attorney’s office, those actors will not only be arrested and booked into jail, but they will be prosecuted and held to answer for their crimes. We want the citizens of our county to have safe and enjoyable shopping experiences.”- Sheriff-Coroner Shannon D. Dicus
Refer: Public Affairs Division
Phone No. (909) 387-3700
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
