Law Enforcement Conducts Retail Theft Suppression Operation in Rancho Cucamonga
RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA — Investigators from multiple law enforcement agencies conducted a retail theft suppression operation in Rancho Cucamonga between January 17, 2026, and January 30, 2026. Known as “Operation Smash & Grab,” the initiative involved the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s Gangs/Narcotics Division, the Rancho Cucamonga Station, the San Bernardino County Probation Department, Homeland Security Investigations, the California Highway Patrol, and the San Bernardino Police Department.
During the two-week period, officials reported two felony arrests and six misdemeanor arrests. Law enforcement personnel also recovered stolen property valued at $1,997. The operation is part of a broader strategy initiated in November 2023 to address an increase in retail thefts involving organized groups. These groups are identified by authorities as using conspiracy to commit robberies, burglaries, and vandalism within shopping corridors.
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors provided the funding for these county-wide crime suppression efforts. These funds are intended to increase law enforcement services regarding community issues. Operation Smash & Grab specifically targets shopping districts in Rancho Cucamonga, Apple Valley, Hesperia, Victorville, and Chino Hills using various investigative methods to disrupt retail theft organizations.
This recent operation utilized legal framework established by Proposition 36, titled “The Homelessness, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act,” which California voters passed on November 5, 2024. Effective as of December 18, 2024, the act reformed several laws previously established under Proposition 47. According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Proposition 36 was applied to two of the arrests made during this operation. The new statutes allow for enhanced sentencing and can prevent certain offenders from being released on a citation prior to a court appearance.
