A NEW anti-theft law is set to go into effect that will result in harsher penalties for retail theft bandits.
As department stores across the nation continue to be tormented by retail theft and brazen smash-and-grab acts, a new legislation in California is just months away from going into effect that will seek to curb the issue.
The organized retail crime bill, which was passed by Governor Gavin Newson in August, is set to go into effect on January 1, 2025.
The law will allow for stricter penalties for individuals participating in organized smash-and-grab, retail theft, and vehicle theft.
“The only way we can take these criminals down is by beating them at their own game,” Attorney General Rob Bonta said.
“We need to be equally nimble, coordinated, organized – and then some. I am thankful for great partners like CHP [California Highway Patrol], local law enforcement and district attorneys.
“We must be a united front that spans law enforcement, prosecutors, retailers, and online marketplaces. The bulletin summarizes the new laws that can be used as tools to fight organized retail crime head on.”
The bill, consisting of 10 new laws, will form a collaborated district attorney effort that allows them to file specific theft charges against individuals suspected of retail crimes no matter what county the offense occurred.
The new policy will allow thefts against multiple victims or in several counties to be combined into one single and hasher charge.
The enhanced policies will also punish a person possessing stolen property that exceeds $950 to face a misdemeanor offense that is punishable by up to one year or as a felony for 16 months.
A separate policy will allow the court to ban an individual convicted of shoplifting, organized retail theft, vandalism, or battery of an employee from all of the department store’s locations or parking lot for up to two years.
Another law will create a new sentencing enhancement for individuals caught selling stolen goods worth $50,000 or more to crack down on smash-and-grab crimes at high-end designer locations.
Individuals convicted of selling stolen goods exceeding $50,000 can be sentenced to up to a year in prison.
The sentencing increases based on the cost of the stolen goods.
An individual caught trying to sell $200,00 or more of stolen items can receive a two-year sentence, three years in prison for property exceeding $1,000,000, and four years for items exceeding $3,000,000.
The charges can be brought against anyone not directly involved with the organized retail theft crime, such as middlemen who received items from thieves.
A separate law increases penalties for car break-ins and auto theft.
The bill includes a new law for possessing stolen property that was taken during a car theft or unlawful vehicle entry.
“These 10 new laws address gaps that made it more difficult for law enforcement and prosecutors to bring perpetrators to justice,” District Attorney Rob Bonta told ABC affiliate KXTV.
Anti-theft measures rolled out by retailers
Retailers across the US and Canada have rolled out strategies designed to combat theft. The U.S. Sun has compiled a list of measures that have been implemented at stores.
- Locking items in cabinets
- Security pegs
- Security cameras
- Signs warning about the impact of theft
- Receipt scanners
- Receipt checks
- Carts with locking technology
