LOS ANGELES (AP) — Authorities in Los Angeles announced more than a dozen arrests in recent smash-and-grab thefts at stores where nearly $340,000 worth of merchandise was stolen.

The robberies are part of a rash of organized retail crime in California.

Police Chief Michel Moore said Thursday that 14 people were arrested in connection with 11 brazen robberies.

At a news conference, both Moore and Mayor Eric Garcetti called for an end to a no-bail policy for some defendants aimed at reducing overcrowding at jails during the coronavirus outbreak.

Garcetti said with the pandemic easing, it’s time to make room in lockups.