An operation to stop retail theft in San Bernardino County netted nearly 30 arrests in a week and recovered more than $10,000 in stolen property, authorities said.
Sheriff’s deputies worked with the Department of Homeland Security and the California Highway Patrol to stop thefts, burglaries and vandalism at the Victoria Gardens Shopping Center in Rancho Cucamonga and various stores in Chino Hills, including The Shoppes @ Chino Hills and nearby Nike, Lowe’s and TJ Maxx locations, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
Law enforcement officers made 15 felony arrests, 13 misdemeanor arrests and recovered $10,281 in stolen property throughout the operation, which lasted from Dec. 7 to Dec. 14.
The Sheriff’s Department grew concerned in November 2023 with a rise in retail thefts, which often involved crews who planned to commit robberies, burglaries, shelf sweeps and vandalism, the department said.
“These violent criminals terrorize the citizens of San Bernardino County by utilizing intimidation tactics and a mob mentality that creates an unsafe and uncomfortable shopping environment for our residents,” the Sheriff’s Department said in a statement.
Officials said the on-going operation tries to stop retail theft crews in Rancho Cucamonga, Apple Valley, Hesperia, Victorville and Chino Hills. Since the operation began, law enforcement officers have made more than 650 arrests and recovered nearly $230,000 in stolen property.
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