With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today during our fall member drive.
LA County Is Getting A Major Boost To Fight 'Smash & Grab' Theft
Macy's in Northridge was recently hit by a "smash & grab" robbery
(
Michael M. Santiago
/
Getty Images
)
SoCal law enforcement agencies are getting a sizable funding boost to fight "smash & grab" robberies, to the tune of $267 million.
Los Angeles Police Department and Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department are each slated to receive more than $15 million, among the largest awards.
The details
It's touted as the state's "largest single investment to combat organized retail crime," and more than $267 million were approved this week by the Board of State and Community Corrections to clamp down on the crime across the state.
Support for LAist comes from
The money will go to selected law enforcement agencies and district attorney's offices.
“Enough with these brazen smash-and-grabs. With an unprecedented $267 million investment, Californians will soon see more takedowns, more police, more arrests, and more felony prosecutions. When shameless criminals walk out of stores with stolen goods, they’ll walk straight into jail cells,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement.
Breakdown of funding
Here's a breakdown of where some of the grant money will go.
Los Angeles County:
- LAPD — over $15.5 million
- Sheriff's Department — over $15.5 million
- Santa Monica Police Department — over $6.1 million
- Beverly Hills Police Department — over $4.5 million
Orange County:
- Sheriff's Department— over $15.1 million
- Anaheim Police Department — over $6.1 million
- Irvine Police Department — over $5.4 million
- Costa Mesa Police Department — over $3.5 million
Ventura County:
- Sheriff's Department— $15.6 million
Riverside County:
- Riverside County Sheriff, Jurupa Valley Station — over $2.2 million
- Palm Springs Police Department — over $4.5 million
Why now
Retailers across California have been hit by flash robberies committed by large, coordinated group of people. They'd rush into a store, take as much merchandise as possible before fleeing the scene.
Support for LAist comes from
In Southern California, victims range from large mall staples like Macy's to independently owned shops selling everything from bikes, sneakers, to jewelry.
In August, the city of LA announced a cross-functional task force, bringing agencies including local law enforcement, city attorney's offices, the U.S. Marshals together to address the spate of robberies.
What's next
The new $267-million grant will be distributed to recipients starting Oct. 1.
Go deeper: Here's What You Need To Know About The Series Of Flash Mob Burglaries In LA
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Metro officials said it will be able to announce an opening date “soon.” -
While working for the county, the DA’s office alleges that 13 employees fraudulently filed for unemployment, claiming to earn less than $600 a week. -
The L.A. County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday voted to declare immigration enforcement actions a local emergency. -
Tens of thousands of workers across Southern California walk out over pay and staffing issues. -
People in and around recent burn scars should be alert to the risk of debris flows. Typical October weather will be back later this week. -
Jet Propulsion Laboratory leadership says the cuts amount to 11% of the workforce.
Best of LAist