Operation Smash & Grab: Multi-Agency Retail Theft Operation Leads to 24 Arrests
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, CA — A multi-agency law enforcement initiative targeting organized retail crime resulted in 24 arrests and the recovery of thousands of dollars in stolen property in Rancho Cucamonga during a three-week operation.
Between August 1, 2026, and August 21, 2026, investigators conducted “Operation Smash & Grab” across the commercial shopping corridors of Rancho Cucamonga. The effort involved the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department 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 enforcement period, officers made eight misdemeanor arrests, 16 felony arrests, and recovered $4,122 in stolen merchandise.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department initiated targeted operations following concerns raised in November 2023 regarding an increase in retail thefts, organized burglaries, shelf sweeps, and vandalism. Operation Smash & Grab focuses enforcement efforts across retail corridors in Rancho Cucamonga, Apple Valley, Hesperia, Victorville, and Chino Hills. Funding for the crime suppression initiative was authorized by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors to support additional law enforcement services targeting community quality-of-life issues.
The operation utilized updated legal frameworks following California voters’ approval of Proposition 36, titled “The Homelessness, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act,” on November 5, 2024. Taking effect on December 18, 2024, the legislation reformed several provisions of Proposition 47, introducing revised Penal and Health and Safety Codes that allow for enhanced sentencing charges and restrictions on citation releases for qualifying offenders.
