Golden State Today

California law enforcement officials have been making significant strides in disrupting organized retail crime in the state. Since January, the state’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force has been on the front lines, resulting in 474 arrests and the recovery of over 160,000 stolen goods valued at nearly $4.2 million.

Governor Gavin Newsom highlighted the success of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) in combating organized retail crime, stating, “California will continue to lead more takedowns and make more arrests to keep our communities safe. It is through the coordinated efforts of our enforcement partners – police, sheriffs, and district attorneys – that the state can keep shutting the door on this unacceptable crime.”

CHP Deputy Commissioner Troy Lukkes emphasized the importance of public safety, noting, “Keeping the public safe is at the heart of everything we do. These criminals have a negative impact on California’s businesses and our communities.”

The CHP's Organized Retail Crime Task Force has been actively involved in investigations, leading to a total of 474 arrests and the recovery of more than 160,000 stolen goods valued at $4.2 million since the beginning of 2024. This marks a significant achievement, with the task force already surpassing its recovery efforts from the previous year.

Since its establishment in 2019, the task force has conducted nearly 2,500 investigations, resulting in the arrest of over 2,500 suspects and the recovery of more than 770,000 stolen goods valued at $42.3 million.

California's commitment to public safety is evident in its investment of $1.1 billion since 2019 to combat crime, enhance law enforcement capabilities, and improve overall public safety. The Governor's Real Public Safety Plan includes a substantial increase in proactive operations targeting organized retail crime, demonstrating the state's dedication to fighting crime and ensuring the safety of its communities.