November 24, 2021- Yolo County, CA – In response to a significant increase in the number of smash and grab thefts occurring across California, Yolo County Law Enforcement wishes to ensure the community that law enforcement is prepared to respond to Yolo County businesses or individuals being targeted. Numerous stores and shopping malls across northern and southern California have been victimized by large groups of thieves acting in concert, causing many businesses to board up their windows. While Yolo County has not yet experienced similar crimes, law enforcement remains prepared to respond in the event our community experiences such crime. The recency and growing frequency of these thefts is especially concerning with the holiday season now here.
Sheriff Tom Lopez, who also serves as the Chairman of the Yolo County Law Enforcement Administrators Coordinating Council, a group that includes all of Yolo County’s police chiefs and law enforcement chief executives, stated: “Public safety is our top priority. In the event that thieves target Yolo County businesses as we have witnessed in other parts of California, we are prepared to collaborate together with all of our allied agencies across Yolo County to investigate and arrest those involved.”
District Attorney Jeff Reisig wants to ensure the public that those arrested will be held accountable. “Large scale theft crimes are detrimental to our community and we will continue to hold those who threaten the safety of our community accountable for their crimes, especially if violence is involved.”
Business and shoppers are encouraged to remain vigilant for their own safety and are encouraged to call 911 in the event of any suspicious behavior. Any business concerned about potentially being targeted should reach out to their local law enforcement agency for tips on how to avoid becoming a victim.
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