Organized Retail Theft Grant

The Sheriff’s Office is the law enforcement provider for unincorporated Santa Clara County and the three contract cities of Saratoga, Cupertino, and the Town of Los Altos Hills. One of the recent crime trends challenging law enforcement is the rapid increase in organized retail theft incidents. They are generally large, targeted thefts using coordinated and planned attacks on retailers followed by the resale of the stolen goods for financial gain.

On July 5, 2023, the Sheriff’s Office submitted a proposal to the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) Organized Retail Theft Prevention Grant Program. On September 5, 2023, the agency was selected to receive $11.7 million in funding. The multi-pronged initiative includes strengthening retailer outreach and partnerships, increased marked presence around retailers for deterrence, a proactive investigative team solely assigned to investigate retail theft, and leveraging additional technologies to better protect patrons and businesses. The grant period began in January 2024 and continues until December 31, 2026.

Since the inception of the program, the Sheriff's Office arrested 13 suspects and recovered over $150,000 worth of stolen retail merchandises from Home Depot, Target, Kohl's, Lowe's, Macy's, Sunglass Hut and other stores.

By working together with our community partners, we can effectively deter and apprehend those involved in organized retail theft.

The successful operation serves as a testament to the dedication and commitment of the Sheriff’s Office in protecting businesses and consumers from the impacts of retail crime. The recovered merchandise will be returned to the businesses, ensuring that the losses incurred are mitigated. 

The Sheriff's Office remains vigilant in its efforts to combat organized retail theft and will continue to work collaboratively with businesses and stakeholders to safeguard the community from criminal activities.