Full Notification

DATE: December 30, 2024

INCIDENT: Targeted Crime Suppression-Operation Smash & Grab

LOCATION(S): Shopping Districts throughout San Bernardino County


SUMMARY: Between November 23 and December 21, 2024, investigators from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s Gangs/Narcotics Division and numerous patrol stations, the San Bernardino County Probation Department, Homeland Security Investigations, the California Highway Patrol, and the San Bernardino Police Department spearheaded “Operation Smash and Grab” at multiple shopping districts throughout San Bernardino County. Participating investigators included undercover deputies and officers dressed in plain clothes, as well as those in unform.

During the operation, investigators made 38 felony arrests, 84 misdemeanor arrests, recovered $26,710.49 in property, and conducted hundreds of traffic enforcement stops and pedestrian checks. 

On November 5, 2024, California voters passed Proposition 36 titled “The Homelessness, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act.” The proposition took effect on December 18, 2024, and reforms multiple laws from Proposition 47, which have been responsible for increasing homelessness, drug addiction and theft. Proposition 36 includes several new Penal and Health and Safety Codes that deputies will be able to apply during arrests when appropriate. These new charges can carry enhanced sentencing, as well as prevent offenders from being cite released prior to their court appearance. Proposition 36 applied to seven of the felony arrests.

In November 2023, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department became concerned with the rise in thefts at retail stores, which often involved organized crews that conspire to commit robberies, burglaries, shelve sweeps, and vandalisms. 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 its efforts on the Rancho Cucamonga, Apple Valley, Hesperia, Victorville, and Chino Hills shopping districts to disrupt and dismantle these retail store theft crews. Investigators utilize conventional and non-conventional investigative methods to accomplish this task and lessen the blight created by these bad actors. 
  
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, allowing for increased law enforcement services related to quality-of-life issues affecting the communities in our county.

Refer: Public Affairs Division 

Station: Gangs/Narcotics Division

Phone No. (909) 387-3700

SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department