Since April, a joint law enforcement operation in Bakersfield has resulted in over 2,000 arrests, including felonies and DUIs. Governor Gavin Newsom announced the ongoing effort led to 2,040 arrests, with 1,189 related to DUI offenses. The operation also recovered 804 stolen vehicles and seized 61 illicit firearms.
Governor Newsom stated, “Eight months ago, my administration launched a joint enforcement operation in Bakersfield to bring a greater sense of safety to the community. In the time since, this effort has resulted in over 1,100 impaired drivers taken off the streets, over 800 stolen vehicles recovered, and 61 illicit firearms seized. I’m proud of the lifesaving work of this operation.”
The California Highway Patrol (CHP), along with the Bakersfield Police Department and Kern County Sheriff’s Office, spearheaded the initiative to tackle auto theft and retail crime through proactive traffic enforcement. Kern County’s crime rates surpass statewide averages for property and violent crimes. The partnership between state, county, and city aims to curb vehicle theft and organized retail crime by concentrating efforts in high-crime areas.
In August, Governor Newsom signed significant bipartisan legislation targeting property crime across California. These laws introduce harsher penalties for repeat offenders and enhance tools for prosecuting felonies. They specifically address serial shoplifting and auto burglary.
The Bakersfield Police Department previously received $6.2 million from the Organized Retail Theft Prevention Grant Program to combat retail thefts and motor vehicle-related crimes. This grant is part of California’s largest investment against organized retail crime.
Since January 2024 alone, CHP’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force made 1,200 arrests and retrieved stolen goods valued at over $9.3 million. Since its inception in 2019, the task force has conducted more than 3,100 investigations leading to over 3,300 arrests and recovery of goods worth more than $47.4 million.
California has invested $1.1 billion since 2019 to bolster public safety by aiding local governments in hiring more police officers. As part of California’s Public Safety Plan announced in 2023 by Governor Newsom includes record funding against organized retail crime with increased operations statewide.
