37 shoplifting suspects arrested by San Bernardino County task force

Sheriff’s investigators recovered nearly $17,000 worth of stolen merchandise and arrested 37 suspects during San Bernardino County’s two-week response to the increasing trend of shoplifting, known as “Operation Smash and Grab,” officials said.

According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, the numbers reflect the task force’s activities between July 12 and July 25.

These include 15 arrests for felony offenses, 22 arrests for minor offenses and the seizure of stolen goods valued at $16,799, the agency said in a written statement.

“Operation SMASH & Grab is focused on the shopping districts of Rancho Cucamonga, Apple Valley, Hesperia, Victorville and Chino Hills to disrupt and dismantle these shoplifting gangs,” the statement said. “Investigators are using conventional and unconventional investigative techniques to accomplish this mission and reduce the harm caused by these evildoers.”