BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — The Bakersfield Police Department (BPD) announced significant progress in its efforts to combat organized retail theft (ORT) in the community.
During the reporting period between July 1 and Sept. 30, 2025, 766 assets valued at more than $15,528 were recovered, and 103 ORT arrests were made. Of those arrested, 39 individuals were eligible under Proposition 36, representing 38% of the arrests.
Proposition 36, passed in 2024, allows for felony charges for thefts involving property valued at $950 or less if the individual has two or more prior theft-related convictions. Since its inception in 2023, BPD’s ORT unit has partnered with local retail locations to address these crimes, which affect consumers, employees, local communities, business owners, and shareholders, and pose a significant drain on targeted industries and the economy.
BPD Sergeant Chad Garrett highlighted the impact of enhanced partnerships with retailers. “With the assistance of BPD’s Community Relations Unit, we have expanded retailer participation in monthly retail theft meetings,” Garrett said. “These enhanced partnerships have had a measurable impact on addressing organized retail crime through strengthened communication and collaboration with store management and loss prevention teams. We have been able to identify offenders more effectively, resulting in an increase in arrests.”
Garrett added, “As a direct outcome of these efforts, the number of reported offenses has begun to decline, reflecting both the deterrent effect of our enforcement strategies and the proactive measures implemented by our retail partners.”
The ORT investigative unit is dedicated to working with retailers on criminal investigations of retail theft rings to disrupt operations, recover stolen property, and arrest those responsible. The unit is funded by the Public Safety & Vital Services Measure (PSVS), also known as Measure N. In 2023, BPD was awarded a $6.2 million grant from the state to secure equipment and provide training to reduce the rising trend of organized retail theft.
Business owners interested in learning more about theft prevention and partnering with BPD’s ORT unit can contact the Community Relations Unit at 661-326-3053.