Related Articles
-Editorial
Governor Gavin Newsom announced that California’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force made significant gains in the first five months of 2025, conducting 331 investigations, resulting in 629 arrests and the recovery of over 113,000 stolen items valued at nearly $6.5 million.
Led by the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the task force works in coordination with local law enforcement agencies and retail partners. Since its creation in 2019, the task force has conducted more than 3,800 investigations, resulting in over 4,400 arrests and the recovery of nearly 1.4 million stolen goods valued at more than $58 million.
The latest data shows a marked increase in enforcement activity in May compared to April, with investigations rising by 131 percent, arrests increasing by 130 percent, the number of stolen items recovered surging by 66 percent, and the total value of recovered goods growing by 49 percent to more than $2 million.
“Organized retail crimes have no place in our society, and I’m proud of the work our CHP officers do up and down the state to protect our families and communities,” Governor Newsom stated.
As part of a coordinated national effort, the CHP participated in a retail crime blitz from May 26 to 30, joining more than 100 law enforcement agencies across 28 states. During the operation, CHP officers arrested 90 individuals and recovered nearly $153,000 in stolen merchandise. The campaign was part of a broader push to disrupt organized crime rings operating within and beyond California.
“Retail theft doesn’t stop at state lines, and neither do we,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “By working together with law enforcement partners and retailers nationwide, we are sending a clear message: if you come to California to steal, we will be here to stop you.”
The blitz, coordinated through the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, also led to the seizure of stolen vehicles, narcotics, weapons, and other contraband.
Recent crime statistics reflect a broader decline in criminal activity. According to the Public Policy Institute of California, violent crime in the state dropped by 4.6% and property crime fell by 8.5% in 2024, mirroring national trends.
California has invested more than $1.1 billion since 2019 to bolster public safety, support local law enforcement, and fund new crime-fighting initiatives. In 2023, Newsom announced a record $267 million investment to combat organized retail crime, allocating funds to 55 cities and counties to strengthen enforcement efforts and increase felony prosecutions.
Last year also saw the passage of bipartisan legislation aimed at deterring property crime and enhancing penalties for offenses such as smash-and-grab robberies and auto burglaries.
As part of the state’s ongoing crime reduction strategy, the CHP has been directed to partner with local agencies to target high-crime regions. Efforts in areas such as Bakersfield, San Bernardino, and Oakland have resulted in more than 7,300 arrests, 5,000 recovered stolen vehicles, and over 350 confiscated firearms.
The Newsom administration says it remains committed to strengthening enforcement, expanding resources, and ensuring real consequences for those involved in organized retail crime.