California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the sentencing of eight individuals involved in “smash and grab” robberies targeting high-end retail stores. Five of these individuals were linked to the YSL operation at the Americana at Brand and other businesses across Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside counties.
“These crimes will not be tolerated in the Glendale community,” stated Glendale Police Chief Manuel Cid. “Rest assured, we have and will continue to bring all of our resources to bear on this issue. Collaboration with our partner agencies is a cornerstone of these arrests. I’d like to especially thank the attorney general’s office and the Los Angeles Police Department for their partnership and leadership in providing us with the utmost support in ensuring we stand against these crimes together.”
Between May 11, 2023, and August 23, 2023, a group of nine defendants carried out a series of smash-and-grab robberies, grand thefts, and overnight burglaries throughout Southern California, resulting in a total loss of over $1.7 million. The victims included high-end retailers such as Nordstrom, Yves Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Gucci, and the upscale boutique Magnolia Park. The remaining defendant in the case has pleaded guilty and will be sentenced at a future date.
“I am committed to bringing the full force of the California Department of Justice to fight organized retail crime both in the field and in the courtroom,” said Bonta. “This was not a one-off shoplifting offense; it was a dangerous, coordinated scheme. … We will not give up until we put a stop to this criminal activity altogether.”
The case was investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Organized Retail Theft Task Force, in conjunction with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office and the Glendale, Burbank, Torrance, Beverly Hills, and Newport Beach police departments. As a result, a 25-count felony complaint was filed against the nine defendants in the Los Angeles County Superior Court.
The Department of Justice’s Special Prosecutions Section is handling the prosecution. The arrests were carried out by the Los Angeles Police Department, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, and the Glendale Police Department.
The attorney general has prioritized this issue and encourages the public to submit complaints and tips at oag.ca.gov/retail-theft.
