California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bipartisan package of 10 bills on Friday aimed at reducing smash-and-grab robberies and property crimes in the state. The legislation creates stricter penalties for repeat offenders and individuals involved in professional reselling schemes, addressing a growing issue that has plagued California in recent years.
The Democratic governor, along with a bipartisan coalition of state lawmakers, business leaders, and local officials, gathered at a Home Depot store in San Jose to announce the new laws. Newsom emphasized the significance of the legislation, calling it the most significant effort to address property crime in modern California history.
The package of bills allows prosecutors to combine stolen items from different victims across various counties to meet the threshold for felony grand theft, enabling harsher penalties for smash-and-grab thefts and large-scale reselling operations. The legislation also addresses cargo thefts, closes legal loopholes related to auto thefts, and requires online marketplaces like eBay to collect bank account and tax identification numbers from high-volume sellers.
While the legislation received bipartisan support from the Legislature, some progressive Democrats expressed concerns over certain provisions they deemed too punitive. State Senator Nancy Skinner, who authored the bill on online marketplaces, emphasized the importance of taking steps to combat retail theft without resorting to mass incarceration.
Governor Newsom also spoke out against Proposition 36, a ballot measure that would impose felony charges for repeat shoplifters and some drug offenses, comparing it to the failed War on Drugs. Newsom warned that the initiative would be a setback for California and disproportionately impact low-income individuals and those with substance abuse issues.
The issue of crime has been a challenging one for California Democrats, who have focused on progressive policies to reduce incarceration rates and invest in rehabilitation programs. Newsom’s administration has allocated $267 million to help local law enforcement agencies increase patrols, purchase surveillance equipment, and prosecute criminals.
The legislation comes in response to mounting criticism from Republicans and law enforcement, as well as concerns from voters over the rise of retail crimes and drug abuse in the state. The California Retailers Association highlighted the impact of retail crime on businesses, pointing to major store closures and the need to lock up everyday items like deodorant and toothpaste.
According to a study by the Public Policy Institute of California, shoplifting has increased in cities like Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area. The California Highway Patrol has also made significant strides in recovering stolen items and arresting individuals involved in criminal activities.
Overall, the new legislation represents a comprehensive effort to address property crime in California and provide law enforcement with the tools needed to hold criminals accountable. With bipartisan support and a focus on public safety, the state is taking steps to combat the rise of smash-and-grab robberies and protect businesses and communities from further harm.
