California law enforcement agencies have arrested more than 22,100 suspects and recovered nearly $150 million in stolen property during an 18-month crackdown on organized retail theft, state officials announced, as local operations continue targeting shoplifting rings across the state.
The arrests, spanning from October 2023 through March 2025, resulted in nearly 17,100 cases referred for prosecution as part of a state-funded initiative to combat organized retail crime. The effort has provided 38 law enforcement agencies with over $242 million in funding for equipment, enhanced operations, new staff and retail partnerships.
"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," Gov. Gavin Newsom said. "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."
The statewide results come as communities like Santa Monica continue grappling with persistent retail theft problems. Recent Santa Monica Police Department data shows the city recorded approximately 2,900 larceny-theft incidents in both 2023 and 2024, with theft comprising roughly 59% of major crimes reported.
Santa Monica experienced a notable increase in retail theft in 2023, with 153 shoplifting incidents reported in just the first quarter alone. While theft numbers stabilized in 2024, the problem remains significant, with police officials noting that 60-70% of local arrests involve unhoused individuals.
The city's ongoing enforcement efforts were highlighted last week when Santa Monica police arrested 10 people on felony and misdemeanor charges during a coordinated retail theft operation targeting the Third Street Promenade and surrounding areas. The operation resulted in five felony and five misdemeanor arrests as specialized units worked together to combat organized retail crime in the popular shopping district.
During that operation, officers recovered a stolen vehicle using the department's SMART Center Automatic License Plate Reader system and SKY1 drone. Two suspects were found in possession of burglary tools and methamphetamine paraphernalia, with one having prior convictions for stolen vehicle offenses. Major retailers including Target, Lululemon, TJ Maxx, Nike and Rite Aid reported thefts during the operation.
The state's Board of State and Community Corrections, which distributes the anti-theft grants, reports the funding has enabled coordinated responses producing measurable results. Notable recoveries include a Ventura County operation that stopped a cargo theft crew responsible for stealing $500,000 worth of trucks and trailers, ultimately leading to $1.5 million in recovered goods, narcotics, firearms and cash.
"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."
The state has also provided over $24 million to 13 district attorneys' offices through a vertical prosecution program, resulting in 1,524 convictions for theft-related property crimes. Of those, 528 convictions were specifically related to organized retail theft, with nearly 90% classified as felonies.
California's broader crime statistics show improvement across multiple categories in 2024, with decreases in violent crime, property crime, homicides, motor vehicle theft, burglary and robbery. The 2024 homicide rate represents the second lowest since at least 1966.
The anti-theft initiative represents part of California's $1.7 billion investment in crime fighting since 2019. Last August, Newsom signed bipartisan legislation designed to strengthen penalties for property crimes, including smash-and-grab robberies and retail theft.
Santa Monica Police Chief Ramón Batista has credited proactive policing efforts for helping stabilize theft numbers despite ongoing challenges including homelessness. The department continues participating in regional task force operations, including a December 2023 joint operation with Los Angeles police that resulted in eight shoplifting arrests in a single day.
As enforcement efforts continue, officials remain hopeful that new laws and sustained operations will drive down retail theft numbers, though the problem continues affecting communities statewide.