State operation in Bakersfield leads to over 1,600 arrests
Ongoing collaboration has also resulted in the recovery of 677 stolen vehicles, the seizure of 47 crime-linked firearms
– A state law enforcement operation in Bakersfield, launched as part of a partnership between the California Highway Patrol, the Bakersfield Police Department, and the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, has led to 1,623 arrests since April. The initiative, announced by Gov. Gavin Newsom, aims to address public safety concerns in the Central Valley.
The ongoing collaboration has also resulted in the recovery of 677 stolen vehicles and the seizure of 47 crime-linked firearms. This month, the operation led to the arrest of two suspects found in possession of 12 illegal guns. On Sept. 28, CHP officers stopped the suspects on Route 58 and discovered five handguns and seven rifles, including a stolen firearm and an unserialized ghost gun, hidden in the spare tire compartment of the vehicle.
Gov. Newsom expressed his appreciation for the partnership, stating, “I thank the California Highway Patrol for their strong partnership with local law enforcement in Bakersfield. Their focused enforcement efforts are addressing the unique challenges of the Central Valley to make the region safer for everyone.”
Kern County has higher rates of property crime, violent crime, and arrests compared to the statewide average. In response, Gov. Newsom launched the coordinated enforcement effort in April, focusing on reducing roadway violence and criminal activity, particularly vehicle theft and organized retail crime. In August, the partnership was expanded to include the Kern County Sheriff’s Office to combat retail theft, car theft, and violent crime in the region.
Recently, Gov. Newsom signed new bipartisan legislation targeting property crime. The new laws establish stricter penalties for repeat offenders, provide additional tools for felony prosecutions, and crack down on serial shoplifters, retail thieves, and auto burglars.
To support local efforts, the state previously awarded the Bakersfield Police Department $6.2 million through the Organized Retail Theft Prevention Grant Program. The grant aims to prevent and respond to organized retail theft, motor vehicle theft, and cargo theft, marking the largest single investment in combating organized retail crime in California history.
This initiative is part of Gov. Newsom’s broader efforts to improve public safety in areas including Oakland and San Francisco. Since January, the CHP’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force has made 717 arrests and recovered more than $6.8 million in stolen goods. California has invested $1.1 billion since 2019 in crime prevention and local law enforcement support. In 2023, as part of the state’s Public Safety Plan, Gov. Newsom announced the largest-ever investment in combating organized retail crime, including a 310% increase in proactive operations and special crime-fighting efforts statewide.
