Golden State Today

In August, California’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force (ORCTF), led by the California Highway Patrol (CHP), reported significant enforcement activities. The task force made 171 arrests and recovered 26,415 items of stolen property valued at approximately $547,000 in a single month. This marks a continuation of high enforcement rates that suggest the ORCTF is on track to surpass its totals from 2023.

Governor Gavin Newsom announced these figures, highlighting the task force's achievements since January. The ORCTF has facilitated 1,055 arrests and conducted 573 investigations this year alone, recovering over $7.8 million worth of stolen goods. Since its inception in 2019, the task force has been involved in nearly 3,000 investigations leading to over 3,100 arrests and the recovery of more than 878,000 stolen items valued at nearly $46 million.

“Month after month, the CHP’s tireless efforts to crack down on organized crime continue to yield results," Governor Newsom stated. "The state has no plans on letting up soon and will continue its progress in protecting California’s businesses and communities while holding criminals to account.”

Governor Newsom's comprehensive approach includes substantial investments aimed at combating organized retail crime. Since 2019, he has allocated $1.1 billion towards crime-fighting initiatives that help local governments hire more police officers and enhance public safety measures.

Last year alone saw the distribution of $267 million to 55 local law enforcement agencies across California to combat organized retail crime effectively. These funds have enabled cities and counties to bolster their police forces, resulting in more arrests and felony charges against suspects involved in retail thefts.

In addition to financial support for local law enforcement agencies, proactive operations targeting organized retail crime have increased significantly under CHP oversight. Last year witnessed a notable annual increase of 310% in such operations across California.

The continued efforts by both state and local authorities underscore a focused strategy aimed at reducing property crimes and improving overall public safety within communities affected by organized retail theft.