May 3, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

California Makes 117 Arrests, Recovers $38K Under “Operation Holiday Watch”

The Enforcement Campaign Took Place Across Multiple California Communities

In the final stretch of the holiday shopping season, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced the success of a statewide law enforcement operation targeting organized retail crime. 

The effort, spearheaded by the California Highway Patrol in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies, resulted in 117 arrests and the recovery of more than $38,000 in stolen goods. Dubbed Operation Holiday Watch, the enforcement campaign took place on Friday, December 20, across multiple California communities. 

Along with recovering stolen merchandise, officers seized two illegal firearms and retrieved three stolen vehicles. Charges against suspects include petty theft, grand theft, and organized retail crime.

“The state stands committed to protecting consumers, especially during the busiest shopping days of the year,” Governor Newsom said in a press release. “I’m proud of the efforts of CHP and local law enforcement to protect Californians and businesses statewide.”

Key achievements from the operation include the recovery of 767 stolen items, increased law enforcement presence in high-traffic shopping areas, and enhanced partnerships with 56 retailers and 10 law enforcement agencies, including departments from Los Angeles, Bakersfield, and Walnut Creek.

“Through proactive operations and collaboration, we delivered a clear message: retail theft will not be tolerated in California,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee in a release.

The CHP’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force has led over 3,200 investigations since its 2019 inception, resulting in more than 3,500 arrests and the recovery of nearly $51.3 million in stolen goods. Governor Newsom’s administration has invested $1.1 billion to fight crime since 2019, distributing $267 million last year alone to 55 local agencies for crime prevention efforts.

in Hard, News
<>Related Posts

AI Tool to Speed Building Permits in Fire Recovery

May 2, 2025

May 2, 2025

The software, developed by Archistar, uses machine learning, computer vision, and automated rulesets California Governor Gavin Newsom on Wednesday announced...

Driver in Fatal PCH Crash That Killed Four Pepperdine Students Ordered to Stand Trial

May 2, 2025

May 2, 2025

Man Accused of Driving 104 MPH in Fatal Malibu Crash  Fraser Michael Bohm, 23, was held to answer on four...

Film Review: The Accountant 2

May 2, 2025

May 2, 2025

FILM REVIEWTHE ACCOUNTANT 2Rated R124 MinutesReleased April 25th   I’m impressed with The Accountant 2. It’s intelligently written, tightly paced, and...

Santa Monica College Police Department Investigates Reported Sexual Battery at Campus Library

May 2, 2025

May 2, 2025

Victim Is an Enrolled Student; College Urges Vigilance and Awareness Santa Monica College officials are investigating a reported incident of...

Gun Discharged in Marina del Rey Classroom; No Injuries Reported

May 1, 2025

May 1, 2025

The school, located in the 100 block of East Anchorage Street, was locked down as a precaution A 13-year-old student...

Rolling Robots Camp is a ‘Tech Genius Program’

May 1, 2025

May 1, 2025

Roll out the … robots.  An afterschool learning center for robotics and STEM is hosting weekly camps this summer designed...

Granddaughter Arrested After Allegedly Stabbing Grandmother in Santa Monica

May 1, 2025

May 1, 2025

The grandmother’s injuries were not life-threatening A woman was taken into custody after allegedly stabbing her grandmother during a domestic...

Beloved West Hollywood Cookie Shop Expanding to Santa Monica

May 1, 2025

May 1, 2025

Junior Cookies has developed a loyal following in West Hollywood for its fresh, small-batch baked goods Junior Cookies, the West...

LAPD Seeks to Return 500 Firearms Recovered From Palisades Fire

May 1, 2025

May 1, 2025

Individuals who lost a firearm are asked to contact the LAPD Gun Recovery Unit  The Los Angeles Police Department is...

Voodoo Doughnuts to Soon Open Location in Windward Circle

May 1, 2025

May 1, 2025

Voodoo Doughnut has become a cultural phenomenon since its inception, known for its imaginative flavors and sideshow activities Voodoo Doughnuts,...

New Coalition Rallies to Preserve Palisades’ Cultural Heritage After Wildfire

May 1, 2025

May 1, 2025

A group of artists, preservationists, and architects is spearheading efforts to protect and reimagine the area’s historic character In the...

Cinco de Mayo Heats Up West Los Angeles With Food, Art, Music, and Mezcal Tastings

May 1, 2025

May 1, 2025

Mezcal Tastings, DJ Sets, Live Mural Installations, and Tlayudas Await It’s almost time for the holiday that isn’t celebrated in...

Make Your Own Pizza and Sip Craft Beer at Santa Monica’s Gourmandise School May 4

May 1, 2025

May 1, 2025

DIY Pizza and Craft Beer Collab Coming to Santa Monica Place Food lovers are invited to roll up their sleeves...

(Video) A Plus Tree: A Steward of Urban Forest Management Across Los Angeles

April 30, 2025

April 30, 2025

For More Info, Go To Aplustree.com For More Info, Go To https://t.co/oL7U8M4k7B pic.twitter.com/CX9xWkFHAt — Santa Monica Mirror (@SMMirror) May 1,...

Santa Monica Man to Pay Nearly $14M for Illegal Gambling, Money Laundering

April 30, 2025

April 30, 2025

The scheme caused an estimated tax loss to the IRS of $3.8 million, officials said A Santa Monica man has...