19 people arrested in Southern California shoplifting incident

Authorities have arrested 19 suspects in a large-scale raid on stores across Southern California.

According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, the arrests were the result of a multi-agency investigation that lasted from May 31 to June 13.

Authorities became aware of an increase in violent and costly thefts at retail stores throughout San Bernardino County, at times putting the safety of store employees and passersby at risk.

Many of the thefts involved organized gangs of thieves who “conspired to commit robberies, burglaries, shelf looting and vandalism,” according to SBSD.

During the major raids, 19 suspects were arrested – seven for capital crimes and twelve for misdemeanors.

During the operation, approximately $5,038 worth of stolen goods was discovered, officials said.

Photos of some of the stolen goods included various luxury beauty products from brands such as Yves Saint Laurent, Gucci, Dior, Giorgio Armani, Tarte, Olaplex, Sol de Janeiro, Huda Beauty and more.

The value of the stolen beauty products ranged from $20 to $65 each.

“These violent criminals terrorize the citizens of San Bernardino County by using intimidation tactics and a mob mentality, creating an unsafe and unpleasant shopping environment for our residents,” deputies said.

Investigators involved in Operation Smash & Grab generally target popular shopping districts and malls in Chino Hills, Rancho Cucamonga, Apple Valley, Hesperia and Victorville to catch shoplifters in the act.

“Investigators are using conventional and unconventional investigative methods to accomplish this task and contain the evil these criminals are causing,” the MPs said.

The operation involved the SBSD 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, among others.

The identities of the arrested suspects have not been released because the shoplifting incidents remain under investigation. Anyone with information can call SBSD at 909-884-0156.

Anonymous tips can be given to LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.