The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department announced on May 5 that a targeted crime suppression operation, named Operation Smash & Grab, led to several arrests and the recovery of stolen property in Rancho Cucamonga between April 18 and May 1.
Authorities said the operation was conducted by investigators from multiple agencies, including the Gangs/Narcotics Division, Rancho Cucamonga Station, San Bernardino County Probation Department, Homeland Security Investigations, California Highway Patrol, and the San Bernardino Police Department. During this period, law enforcement made five misdemeanor arrests and two felony arrests while recovering $3,276 worth of property.
The department said it became concerned with an increase in organized retail thefts beginning in November 2023. These incidents often involved groups conspiring to commit robberies and other crimes that create unsafe shopping environments. “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,” said Shannon D. Dicus.
Operation Smash & Grab targets retail store theft crews operating across various shopping districts such as Rancho Cucamonga, Apple Valley, Hesperia, Victorville, and Chino Hills. The initiative uses both conventional and non-conventional investigative methods to disrupt these activities. Funding for this operation was authorized by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors to enhance county-wide crime suppression efforts.
Recent changes in state law have also played a role in enforcement actions during this operation. “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… Proposition 36 includes several new Penal and Health and Safety Codes that deputies will be able to apply during arrests when appropriate,” Dicus said. He added that these new charges can carry enhanced sentencing or prevent offenders from being released before their court appearance; Proposition 36 applied to two of the recent arrests.
Shannon D. Dicus serves as sheriff-coroner for the department overseeing more than two million residents through fifteen patrol stations according to the official website. The department focuses on providing collaborative law enforcement services using professional means across its facilities.
