By Ricardo Roura
Apr 24, 2024, 11:39 PM EDT
Authorities arrested 13 suspects during robbery operation against retail stores in a popular San Bernardino County shopping center.
The operation took place in Victoria Gardens, in the town of Rancho Cucamonga, carried out on April 19, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department (SBCS).
When officers arrived at the outdoor mall, they discovered 13 suspects, who were arrested in connection with retail theft.
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During this operation, the authorities They confiscated about $10,926 dollars worth of items that were stolen during the massive operation.
Among the products that were stolen include beauty items and accessories, backpacks, purses and sportswearamong others.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s Operation SMASH & Grab action cracks down on theft crimes committed against retail stores in the areas of the commercial districts of Rancho Cucamonga, Apple Valley, Hesperia, Victorville and Chino Hills.
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The SBCS said the operation was carried out in response to a worrying increase in violent and costly robberies committed against retail businesses and involving organized crime groups.
“These violent criminals terrorize the citizens of San Bernardino County using intimidation tactics and a mob mentality that creates an unsafe and uncomfortable shopping environment for our residents,” the SBCS said.
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“Researchers use conventional and unconventional research methods to accomplish this task and diminish the plague created by these bad actors“added the department.
Of the suspects arrested, six face felony charges; while the other seven face misdemeanors, the SBCS said.
The authorities They did not release the identities of the 13 arrested suspects.
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Retail theft operation involved multiple agenciesincluding investigators from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Gang and Narcotics Division, as well as the Rancho Cucamonga SBCS Station.
Additionally, the San Bernardino County Probation Department, Homeland Security Investigations, the California Highway Patrol and the San Bernardino Police Department.
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