California cops recover $17M in stolen goods amid shoplifting surge

California cops trying to tackle the state’s out-of-control shoplifting scourge recovered a staggering $17 million in everything from nicked designer kicks to pilfered pricey beauty products last year, according to officials.

The entire haul involved 272,000 stolen retail items, Gov. Gavin Newsom said this week.

Photos showed Nike sneakers, brand-new power tools and Lancome beauty products among the recovered goods.

More than 1,208 people were arrested and charged with organized retail crime in the sweep, which was carried out by the California Highway Patrol’s Retail Theft Task Force.

One bust at a Sacramento Target on Nov. 21 led to the uncovering of a juvenile human-trafficking victim, according to Newsom’s office. 

Another investigation revealed thieves were selling stolen retail goods at flea markets. Officials arrested 13 suspects, recovered 2 illegal firearms and found $800,000 in stolen goods during the related round-ups, officials said.

A pinched suspect was also targeting Sephora stores all over Southern California before authorities caught up to him, Newsom said in a press release.

California has been a hotbed for retail robbers who often use smash-and-grab tactics.  

Wild video showed a huge mob of masked, black-clad thieves storming a California jewelry store in September and making off with around $1 million in merchandise in just over a minute.

More than 20 of the crooks were caught on surveillance footage as they ran up to Heller Jewelers in San Ramon, around 34 miles east of San Francisco.

They then used crowbars and pickaxes to smash its display cases and snatch jewelry — and shot their way out when a security door automatically tried to lock them inside.

Merch-loving thieves also stole $50,000 worth of Pokémon cards and other collectibles in another brazen caught-on-camera SoCal heist using an electric saw this month.

Footage obtained by The Post showed the five masked men in hoodies using a saw to break into Simi Sportscards in Simi Valley during the first robbery Sunday around 3:30 a.m.

The crew ignored blaring security alarms as they smashed glass cases and stuffed bags with Pokémon and sports cards, the store’s owner said. 

Despite the chaos, Newsom crowed that crime is down.

“Our organized retail crime enforcement efforts are delivering real results,” he said. “These operations continue to send a clear message: California will not tolerate organized crime that preys on working families, small businesses, and local communities.”