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The Daly City, San Bruno, and San Mateo Police Departments, in collaboration with the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office, are pleased to announce significant progress in the fight against organized retail theft (ORT) within our communities. This update comes as part of an ongoing operation made possible by a grant awarded by the Board of State Community Corrections (BSCC).

Since the inception of the multi-agency Organized Retail Theft Task Force on October 1, 2023, dozens of law enforcement officers from the participating departments have been deployed to target ORT activities across the cities of Daly City, San Bruno, and San Mateo. According to Chief Ed Barberini of the San Mateo Police Department, “This coordinated investment into combating organized retail theft has resulted in an immediate and impactful return. The collaboration between the three police agencies and our partners in the private sector has proven to be extremely effective. We are grateful for the support that made this endeavor possible, and I look forward to a sustained, cohesive approach to addressing a significant crime trend that touches all communities within the region and state.” This concerted effort, spanning from October 1, 2023, to April 26, 2024, has yielded remarkable results.

Key highlights of the operation include:
• Total Crimes: 82
• Recovered Items: 719
• Value of Recovered Merchandise: $23,521
• Arrests: 88
• Weapons Seized: 2
• Combative Suspects: 2

The success of this operation can be attributed to the collaborative efforts of law enforcement officers, who operated both in plain clothes and uniformed attire, ensuring a comprehensive approach to combatting ORT. Daly City’s Acting Police Chief Cameron Christensen explains, “Through proactive community engagement initiatives, we've heightened awareness regarding enforcement measures. Additionally, our partnerships with major retail centers and frequently targeted stores have strengthened, fostering a more secure retail environment. Our commitment to service enhancement is evident through improved information sharing practices and the utilization of cutting-edge equipment and software, made possible by the generous support of the California Board of State and Community Corrections Organized Retail Theft Grant."

Furthermore, ongoing engagement with shopping center owners, managers, security personnel, and loss prevention personnel have fostered trust, increased communication, and improved training and expectations among stakeholders. Larry Ivich, General Manager for the Hillsdale Shopping Center in San Mateo, stated, “The Hillsdale Shopping Center appreciates the efforts of the Organized Retail Theft (ORT) Grant program within the community.” Serramonte Center General Manager, John Colucci adds “Serramonte Center deeply appreciates the invaluable support from the Organized Retail Theft (ORT) Grant program; crucial in protecting our community against theft, providing a safer work environment for our merchants and ensuring a safer shopping experience for all.” They extend “a special thank you to our dedicated local agencies for their unwavering efforts and invaluable partnership.”

Through these collective efforts, the task force has observed faster law enforcement response times and a heightened awareness of shopping center operations, map layouts, and standard operating procedures among officers. “The smart, focused enforcement coupled with enhanced technologies from the ORT Grant is yielding remarkable results. I extend my gratitude to the BSCC, San Mateo County DA's Office, and the Daly City and San Mateo Police Departments for their collaboration,” said Chief Ryan Johansen of the San Bruno Police Department.

In addition to enhanced enforcement efforts, the task force has partnered closely with the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office. A Deputy District Attorney has been assigned to the task force to facilitate prosecutions, ensuring swift and effective legal action against perpetrators.

As we continue our relentless pursuit of justice, we remain committed to upholding the law, preserving public safety, and enhancing the quality of life in our communities. Together with our partners and stakeholders, we will continue to combat organized retail theft and safeguard the well-being of our residents and businesses.