Targeted Crime Suppression—Operation Smash and Grab

The Sheriff’s Department and its partners conducted Operation Smash and Grab between Jan. 17-30.

Between Jan. 17-30, investigators from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department – Gangs/Narcotics Division, Rancho Cucamonga Station, San Bernardino County Probation Department, Homeland Security Investigations, California Highway Patrol and the San Bernardino Police Department conducted a retail theft operation in the area of the Rancho Cucamonga shopping corridors. During the operation, investigators made two felony arrests, six misdemeanor arrests and recovered $1,997 in property.

In Nov. 2023, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department became concerned with the rise in thefts at retail stores, which often involved organized crews that conspired to commit robberies, burglaries, shelf sweeps and vandalism. 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 and 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 nonconventional 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 countywide 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.

On Nov. 5, 2024, California voters passed Proposition 36 titled “The Homelessness, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act.” The proposition took effect on Dec. 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 two of the above arrests.

Additional County Update News – February 5, 2026