California Data Shows $150M in Stolen Goods Recovered in Two Years

More than 22,100 suspects were arrested, nearly 17,100 cases were referred for prosecution and roughly $150 million in stolen property was recovered in two years though state-funded work with law enforcement agencies, according to the California governor.

Related: A Rapidly Evolving Challenge: Cargo Theft in The U.S. Logistics Sector

The arrests, cases and recoveries from October 2023 and March 2025 were aided by funding that provided 38 law enforcement agencies with more $242 million for purchasing new equipment, launching enhanced enforcement operations, hiring new staff, and establishing partnerships with the retail community, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced.

Enforcement highlights include:

• Ventura County Sheriff’s Department stopped a cargo theft crew that had stolen $500,000 worth of trucks, trailers and high-value cargo. This led to the recovery of $1.5 million in stolen goods, narcotics, firearms and cash.
• The Roseville Police Department developed partnerships within the retail community through communication and officer presence that had an impact in reducing retail theft, including at the Westfield Galleria. In conjunction with the Santa Clara Police Department and Placer County District Attorney’s Office, the department recently recovered $50,000 worth of personal care items.
• The Hemet Police Department carried out several targeted operations, with one undercover operation leading to the arrest of five people on multiple theft-related charges, with stolen merchandise recovered and returned to stores.
• The Modesto Police Department along with local businesses and law enforcement partners conducted an organized retail theft operation that resulted in 28 arrests.

Data from by the California Department of Justice shows that in 2024, most major crime categories declined, including violent crime, property crime, homicides, aggravated assaults, motor vehicle theft, burglary and robbery.

Topics California Fraud