Golden State Today

Since March 2024, a joint Bay Area operation initiated by Governor Gavin Newsom has led to the recovery of 3,217 stolen vehicles, the arrest of 1,823 suspects, and the seizure of 170 illicit firearms. This collaboration was announced by Governor Newsom from Sacramento, California, highlighting progress in the ongoing effort to enhance public safety in the Bay Area.

Governor Newsom stated, "Month after month, officers have worked hand-in-hand with their local counterparts across the Bay Area to protect our communities from bad actors. I’m proud of the CHP’s diligent work to get dangerous guns off our streets and recover stolen vehicles." In 2025 alone, the operation has resulted in 398 arrests, the recovery of 614 stolen cars, and the seizure of 30 firearms.

CHP's enhanced operation includes the deployment of additional personnel and special law enforcement units, focusing on reducing property theft and violent crimes such as gun violence. The operation also targets sideshow activities and stolen automobiles.

Initiated in February 2024, CHP's support in Oakland saw a significant boost in July 2024 with an increase in the number of shifts worked by CHP officers in the region. Furthermore, a high-tech camera network, comprising 480 units across the East Bay (including Oakland), assists in identifying vehicles linked to crimes. This innovative technology leads to real-time alerts about suspicious vehicle movements and has proved crucial in investigations, such as the arrest of a road rage shooting suspect in San Bernardino.

The collaborative effort among state, county, and city authorities focuses on reducing roadway violence and criminal activities. Governor Newsom also emphasized legislative advancements with significant bipartisan support, imposing tougher penalties for repeat offenders and enhancing tools for prosecuting felony cases. The legislation targets serial shoplifters, retail thieves, and auto burglars.

These initiatives are part of a broader strategy supported by $1.1 billion in investments since 2019 to bolster law enforcement and public safety statewide. In 2023, under California’s Public Safety Plan, the Governor announced a historically large investment aimed at combatting organized retail crime.