California's effort to crack down on retail theft continues in July with 167 arrests

A California Highway Patrol-led task force targeting organized retail theft across the state made 167 arrests in July, officials said.

The arrests stemmed from 128 separate investigations and represented more than twice the number of arrests reported by the California Organized Retail Crime Task Force over the prior month, according to a statement issued by Gov. Gavin Newsom's office.

“Our relentless pursuit of organized retail crime continues to yield significant results, month after month,” California Highway Patrol Commissioner Sean Duryee said. “Through targeted investigations and numerous arrests, we are actively disrupting and dismantling these crime rings that threaten our communities and businesses. Our message is clear: we will not allow organized retail crime to go unchecked in California.”

How many arrests has the California retail theft task force made?

The task force has made 884 arrests and recovered roughly $7.2 worth of stolen merchandise since January, officials said.

Since its launch in 2019, task force members have made over 2,900 arrests and seized $45 million worth of stolen goods.

State officials distributed $267 million to 55 communities last year to combat organized retail theft, according to the governor's office statement. "These funds have enabled cities and counties to hire more police, make more arrests, and secure more felony charges against suspects.

'Responding readily and at record pace'

Newsom commended the involved officers on their achievements.

“The state’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force is responding readily and at record pace to crack down on organized criminals attempting to rip off California’s storefronts, demonstrating a continued commitment to enforcing public safety and protecting our communities," he said. "I’d like to thank the dedicated officers of the California Highway Patrol for their diligent work enforcing our laws and holding criminals accountable."

The task force is part of the Governor’s Real Public Safety Plan , announced by the governor in 2021 to combat organized crime statewide.

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: California's effort to crack down on retail theft continues in July with 167 arrests