In order to clamp down on brazen “smash-and-grab” robberies, Los Angeles County law enforcement needs more resources, both to catch the criminals and to prevent future crimes from occurring at department and luxury stores, as well as mom-and-pop retail shops.
That was the conclusion reached by the L.A. County Board of Supervisors, which on Tuesday, Sept. 26, authorized the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department to use a $15.7 million state grant given to the county earlier this month. The Sheriff’s Department can use the money for detectives’ and deputies’ overtime and training; buying vehicles and equipment; and providing outreach to businesses, the county reported.
“Given the increasing frequency in which such thefts are occurring, it is important to accept the funds as soon as possible and begin building up the newly formed task force,” read the motion, which was unanimously approved by the board on Tuesday.
The board authorized Sheriff Robert Luna to use the money, part of $267 million grant announced by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sept. 15 that is heading to 55 cities under the Organized Retail Theft Prevention awards. The supervisors’ motion directs Luna to file the required grant documents and agreements as stipulated by the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) and also apply for future grants.
Monies will go to beefing up the Organized Retail Theft Task Force formed by LASD and the LAPD in August. The LAPD received the same amount from the state’s fund.
The supervisors want the Sheriff’s Department to work with law enforcement from cities throughout the county, as well as the L.A. County District Attorney’s Office.
Other cities in the county benefitting from the state grant program are Santa Monica ($6.1 million); Beverly Hills ($4.5 million); and San Fernando ($495,000), noted Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger.
The sheriff’s part of the task force consists of 32 sworn personnel, including one sergeant and seven…
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