Calif. AG to crack down on surge in retail robberies

OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 6:12 PM PT – Friday, December 3, 2021

California Attorney General Rob Bonta wants to crack down on the state’s surge in smash-and-grab robberies.

On Friday, Bonta touted the Golden State’s recent efforts in combating similar crimes. Bonta noted five people pleaded guilty to organizing a multi-million-dollar operation targeting Bay Area retailers.

State law enforcement agencies coordinated an investigation in April of 2020 that found $8 million worth of stolen merchandise from the defendants’ warehouses, homes and storage facilities. Bonta used the bust as an opportunity to warn future criminals.

“Today’s announcement should serve as a warning shot to anyone thinking about participating in organized retail theft and committing brazen crimes with no regard for the safety of workers, our businesses and our community. You will be held accountable. You will face consequences,” said Bonta.

In the meantime, California businesses fear for the sudden rise in smash-and-grab robberies as an uptick has also been seen in several states across the nation.

We’re working together to support our California communities. https://t.co/P9rt1lmvYT

— Rob Bonta (@RobBonta) November 26, 2021

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