A trio of state lawmakers has unveiled the California Retail Theft Reduction Act, which would focus on ‘professional retail thieves.’
Thieves smashed displays and stole an estimated $60,00 – $100,000 worth of merchandise from Nordstrom in the Westfield Topanga mall in Canoga Park on Saturday, August 12, 2023. A debate is emerging in California over whether a return to tough-on-crime policies is needed to deter brazen smash-and-grab robberies and shoplifting sprees caught on camera throughout the state.
Enforcement: Police could arrest shoplifters based on a witness’ sworn statement or video footage of a crime.“Organized retail theft is having a chilling effect on our communities,” Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, D-Salinas, said. “Crime, like everything, evolves. And criminal enterprises are using new and different ways to get around current prohibitions … It is our responsibility to ensure that our laws are addressing the situation at hand.
Zbur said the new bill can be enacted and signed into law without a ballot measure to overhaul Prop. 47.Under AB 1772, anyone convicted of petty theft or shoplifting who has also had at least two prior theft convictions totaling at least $950 worth of merchandise could be charged with grand theft and go to jail for up to three years.
“The disturbing increase in retail crime has left our constituents and business leaders fearful and anxious to see solutions,” Ramos said in a statement. “It is time to make the necessary adjustments so that we can hold bad actors accountable and restore justice in our communities.” Several Orange County legislators have also introduced bills addressing retail theft, including Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris, D-Irvine. Her recently filed AB 2438 takes aim at those who act in tandem with at least two other people to steal or destroy property while committing a felony; it creates an enhanced penalty of up to three years. And Democrat Sen. Bob Archuleta’s SB 923 also would increase penalties for repeat offenders..
While the bill has significant backing both inside and outside of the state Legislature, some doubt just how effective incarceration would be as a solution to retail theft.
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