California reports over 22,000 arrests tied to organized retail theft crackdown

Governor Gavin Newsom has announced that state and local law enforcement agencies in California have made more than 22,100 arrests and referred nearly 17,100 cases for prosecution related to organized retail theft between October 2023 and March 2025. These efforts have resulted in the recovery of almost $150 million in stolen property.

Newsom emphasized the importance of partnerships with local law enforcement to protect small businesses and retailers. "California continues to put the safety of its communities first through strategic investments and partnership with local law enforcement agencies to crack down on organized retail theft. We want to prevent these bad actors from hurting small businesses and retailers, while also prosecuting them to the fullest extent of the law to stop these criminals for good," said Governor Newsom.

State funding has enabled 38 law enforcement agencies to receive over $242 million for equipment, enhanced operations, new staff, and collaborations with the retail sector. The grants, proposed by Newsom and distributed by the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC), are intended to strengthen public safety efforts.

“The ORT grants have provided critical resources that enable our law enforcement partners to implement strategic, coordinated responses to combating organized retail theft,” said BSCC Board Chair Linda Penner. “These efforts are producing measurable results, strengthening public safety, and supporting the local retail economies with statewide success.”

Local police departments reported several notable outcomes. Ventura County Sheriff’s Department dismantled a cargo theft crew responsible for stealing $500,000 in trucks and high-value goods; this led to a total recovery valued at $1.5 million when working with other agencies. San Jose Police arrested three individuals involved in kidnapping, torture, robbery, and organized retail theft; one was a key suspect under investigation by Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office. Roseville Police built partnerships within the retail community that contributed to reducing thefts at Westfield Galleria and recovered $50,000 in merchandise alongside other agencies. Hemet Police conducted undercover operations resulting in five arrests for multiple theft charges. Modesto Police coordinated with business partners and Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office on an operation that led to 28 arrests.

Additionally, over $24 million was provided by BSCC to 13 district attorneys’ offices via a vertical prosecution grant program designed so individual prosecutors handle cases from start to finish. This approach led independently from prevention grants to 1,524 convictions for theft-related property crimes—528 specifically tied to organized retail theft—with almost 90% being felony convictions.

Riverside County District Attorney’s Office recovered more than $300,000 worth of merchandise through cross-jurisdictional operations with ongoing prosecutions. Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office charged an individual linked to significant Ulta store losses as well as other suspects using digital marketplaces for reselling stolen goods.

In total, $267 million has been granted across 55 communities enabling cities and counties throughout California to hire additional officers and pursue more felony charges against suspects.

According to recent data from the California Department of Justice (https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-releases-2024-crime-statistics-report), major crime categories—including violent crime, property crime, homicide, aggravated assault, motor vehicle theft, burglary, and robbery—declined across California in 2024 compared with previous years. The homicide rate reached its second lowest level since at least 1966; overall homicides dropped nearly 12% since last year. Full-time criminal justice personnel increased by about two percent from 2023–2024.

California has also seen a decrease in vehicle thefts (the first such drop since before the pandemic), falling by approximately 13% year-over-year from 2023–2024; about nine out of ten stolen vehicles were successfully recovered.

Since 2019 California has invested $1.6 billion toward fighting crime through various programs including hiring more police officers. In August last year Governor Newsom signed bipartisan legislation targeting property crimes such as smash-and-grab robberies and auto burglaries—measures described as providing new tools for law enforcement while adapting laws against evolving criminal tactics.

Regional efforts involving CHP have focused on suppressing vehicle theft in areas like Oakland, Bakersfield, and San Bernardino—a strategy credited with disrupting auto thieves and organized groups throughout Alameda, Kern and San Bernardino counties.