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

Flour Pizzeria & Cafe to Bring Brooklyn-Style Pizza to Brentwood This Week

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Family-Owned Favorite from the Palisades to Open on San Vicente  Flour Pizzeria & Cafe, a restaurant from Pacific Palisades run...

Tai Chain to Donate Santa Monica Grand Opening Proceeds to Wildfire-Affected Restaurants

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

The restaurant’s U.S. presence began in Arcadia, Calif., in 2000, and has since expanded to 17 locations  Din Tai Fung,...

Santa Monica Hotel Event Space Offers Affordability, Accessibility

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Elevate Your Events with Versatile Venues and Exceptional Service Coastal stays and eclectic event spaces don’t have to be expensive....

New Map Tracks Palisades Cleanup Progress, Identifies Phase 1 and Phase 2 Areas

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

New interactive map helps residents track debris removal progress as officials emphasize unprecedented cleanup speed A newly released interactive map...

(Video) The Willows Students Bring a 50-Foot Dragon to Life Through Art and Teamwork

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Kristy Acero, The Willows DK-4th Grade Art teacher, led her students in a large-scale, collaborative project, with each grade creating...

Man Sues Famous Marina del Rey Bar for Alleged Assault

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

The plaintiff is seeking compensatory and punitive damages By Zach Armstrong A patron has sued Brennan’s Pub in Marina del...

Phase 2 Debris Removal Underway in Palisades, Officials Tout Historic Recovery Speed

February 11, 2025

February 11, 2025

Residents Urged to Submit ROE Forms as Crews Accelerate Debris Removal Efforts Crews have begun Phase 2 of debris removal...

One of Palisades’ First Black Homeowners Seeks Support After Fire Destroys Home

February 11, 2025

February 11, 2025

Now displaced, she faces uncertainty in finding stable housing Nearly $42,000 has been raised for Louvenia Jenkins, a 97-year-old woman...

 (Video) Beaten Dead Body Found on Santa Monica Shore

February 11, 2025

February 11, 2025

The Victim Was Pronounced Dead at the Scene The Victim Was Pronounced Dead at the Scene. pic.twitter.com/7lIkEpwvRa — Palisades News...

How Much Have Palisades Property Values Slipped After the Fire?

February 11, 2025

February 11, 2025

Property prices drop as sellers and buyers remain at odds in post-fire market Property values in Pacific Palisades have taken...

Worker Relief Fund Launched for Those Impacted by Palisades Fire

February 10, 2025

February 10, 2025

In addition to direct relief, the county is seeking donations for the fund Los Angeles County has launched the LA...

Venice Beach Church Goes on Market for $9.75M

February 10, 2025

February 10, 2025

The property also includes seven bathrooms, one of which has a shower, and is equipped with security cameras A 0.34-acre...

Palisades Symphony to Host Benefit Concert to Support Displaced Musicians

February 10, 2025

February 10, 2025

Several members of the Palisades Symphony lost their homes in the fires, making this concert a deeply personal effort The...

Burned Palisades Lot Sells for Nearly $1M: REPORT

February 10, 2025

February 10, 2025

Aerial images show the property was among several homes in the neighborhood destroyed by the fire A vacant lot in...

What about are you protected from future wildfires?

February 9, 2025

February 9, 2025

Our hearts go out to all those impacted by the recent wildfires and Santa Ana windstorms in Southern California. We...