Undercover and uniformed agents arrested 122 people during a targeted crime bust in San Bernardino County called “Operation Smash and Grab,” officials said.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday that from Nov. 23 to Dec. 21, personnel from various agencies spearheaded operations at multiple shopping centers across the county.
The Sheriff’s Office said focus areas included Rancho Cucamonga, Apple Valley, Hesperia, Victorville and Chino Hills for the purpose of “disrupting and dismantling retail theft rings.”
“During the operation, law enforcement officers made 38 felony arrests and 84 misdemeanor arrests,” SBSD said in a release. Additionally, officers conducted hundreds of traffic enforcement and pedestrian checks.
Southern California shoplifter hid stolen items in a ‘girdle’, authorities say
Officials said the officers involved used traditional and non-traditional investigative techniques to carry out the operation.
The Sheriff’s Office also noted that recently passed Proposition 36, the Homeless, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act, was applied to seven of the felony arrests.
The proposal, which goes into effect Dec. 18, would amend several laws from Proposition 47 that are contributing to increases in homelessness, drug addiction and theft, according to SBSD.
“Proposition 36 includes several new criminal and health and safety laws that deputies can apply during arrests if necessary,” the release states. “These new charges not only enhance sentencing, but may also prevent offenders from being released before their court appearance.”
SBSD said they recovered property totaling $26,710.49 during the operation.
Source link
