Law enforcement agencies in the County of Los Angeles have joined forces to establish an innovative task force dedicated to investigating, apprehending, and prosecuting individuals involved in retail theft. This initiative comes in response to a recent surge in smash-and-grab crimes, which have posed significant challenges for local businesses.
During a press conference on Thursday morning, Mayor Karen Bass introduced the Organized Retail Crimes Task Force, which will specifically focus on combating organized retail crimes throughout the county. The task force comprises detectives and investigators from various law enforcement agencies, including the Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol, and several other local police departments. Additionally, representatives from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office, and California Attorney General’s Office will collaborate with the task force to ensure that offenders are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Mayor Bass stated, “The recent unacceptable spike in crime that our city and surrounding regions have experienced calls for immediate action. These are not victimless crimes, especially when Angelenos are targeted and harmed while carrying out their daily activities. Every individual should feel safe while shopping or operating a business in Los Angeles County, and we are committed to apprehending and bringing justice to those who commit these crimes.”
Governor Gavin Newsom also expressed his support for the task force, announcing that the California Highway Patrol (CHP) would triple its resources dedicated to tackling retail crime in the Los Angeles region. This commitment includes the allocation of additional investigators to the new regional law enforcement task force. Governor Newsom drew attention to the success of the CHP’s existing Organized Retail Crime Task Force (ORCTF), which was established in 2019 and has already achieved considerable results, including the recovery of $30.7 million worth of stolen merchandise and the arrest of 1,250 individuals.
Recognizing the need to prioritize public safety and combat retail crime, the state’s 2023-24 budget has allocated over $800 million in funding for this purpose.
Deputy Chief Kris Pitcher highlighted recent incidents of smash-and-grabs that prompted the collaboration of law enforcement agencies. These events include a robbery at a Gucci store in Costa Mesa, where thieves escaped with more than $100,000 worth of handbags, and a flash mob robbery at a Ksubi store on La Brea Avenue resulting in the theft of over $100,000 worth of various items and clothing. Pitcher assured concerned individuals that under existing laws, offenders involved in smash-and-grabs will face charges of robbery and be held in jail.
The task force will be led by the LAPD’s Commercial Crimes Division and will operate systematically, round the clock, with a comprehensive range of investigative resources to gather evidence for successful prosecutions. Deputy Chief Kris Pitcher’s partner, Cmdr. Jay Mastick, will oversee the day-to-day operations of the task force. Additionally, the task force will consist of 22 full-time investigators tasked with following up on any leads. Three separate surveillance and apprehension teams will also work in conjunction with the task force. The task force will establish a tip line and a method for the public to submit digital media containing relevant information about these crimes.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna emphasized that this issue is not new and that his department has been grappling with these crimes for over a year. He expressed his determination to hold all individuals involved in the chain of these crimes accountable, including those aiding and abetting the thieves and those purchasing the stolen merchandise.
After the press conference, Councilwoman Traci Park lauded the Retail Theft Task Force, recognizing the devastating impact of the increase in smash-and-grab incidents on local businesses, consumer prices, and public safety. She stated, “In Los Angeles, such acts will not be tolerated, and criminals will be held accountable.”
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