Law Enforcement Agencies Collaborate to Combat Retail Theft in “Operation Smash & Grab”
Above: Stock Image
Between April 19 and May 2, 2024, law enforcement agencies collaborated on Operation Smash & Grab, a targeted effort aimed at curbing retail theft at the Victoria Gardens Shopping Center located at 12505 North Main Street in Rancho Cucamonga.
Led by the Rancho Cucamonga Station and supported by units from the Gangs/Narcotics Division, San Bernardino County Probation Department, Homeland Security Investigations, California Highway Patrol, and the San Bernardino Police Department, the operation resulted in a total of 36 arrests, with 14 individuals facing felony charges and 22 facing misdemeanor charges. Additionally, authorities executed two search warrants and recovered stolen property valued at $17,705.
Concerns over escalating theft incidents prompted the initiation of Operation Smash & Grab. Retail thefts, often orchestrated by organized groups, have been on the rise, posing a significant challenge to law enforcement. These criminal activities not only lead to financial losses for businesses but also contribute to a sense of insecurity among residents. The perpetrators employ intimidation tactics and mob mentality, creating an environment of fear and discomfort for shoppers.
Operation Smash & Grab targets not only Rancho Cucamonga but also other shopping districts including Apple Valley, Hesperia, Victorville, and Chino Hills. Its primary objective is to dismantle these criminal networks responsible for retail theft through a combination of traditional and innovative investigative techniques.
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors has allocated additional funds to support county-wide crime suppression efforts. This investment aims to enhance law enforcement services, particularly in addressing quality-of-life issues impacting communities throughout the county.
For further inquiries, the Public Affairs Division of the Sheriff’s Department can be reached at (909) 387-3700. Case numbers associated with Operation Smash & Grab include 112404322, 112404327, 112404330, and several others, as listed.
Shannon D. Dicus, Sheriff-Coroner of the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department, oversees these ongoing efforts to safeguard the community and uphold public safety.
