Sacramento, CA – The California Legislature has been actively addressing the growing issues of retail theft and property crime, which have surged in recent years, particularly in urban areas. In 2024, the Legislature acted decisively to combat this alarming trend, rapidly convening hearings to find solutions and ultimately passing a package of new laws designed to allocate resources effectively and crack down on these crimes.
One of the most significant actions was the creation of the Select Committee on Retail Theft. This committee, alongside the Committee on Public Safety, focused on assessing the root causes of organized retail theft and formulating strategies to curb it. The committee held regular hearings to gather expert testimony, hear from affected businesses, and consider policy adjustments.
The Legislature quickly translated study into comprehensive action, passing 11 bipartisan bills related to combatting organized retail theft during the 2024 session. These bills take a comprehensive approach that includes increased time behind bars for certain crimes, enhanced tools for law enforcement to charge and prosecute offenders, and disruption of criminals’ ability to sell stolen goods online.
Our work also reiterates the importance of continuing to invest in preventive strategies. The new laws combatting retail theft also contain provisions to address the socio-economic factors that contribute to theft, including poverty, unemployment, and inadequate mental health services.
In addition to policy adjustments, the Legislature has established targeted grant programs. The Organized Retail Theft (ORT) Vertical Prosecution Grant Program was created to help local prosecutors develop specialized teams to address complex theft cases involving organized crime syndicates. This initiative, part of Assembly Bill 178, aims to dismantle the criminal networks driving large-scale retail theft. It provides local law enforcement and prosecutors financial support to enhance their operations, tackle persistent theft rings, and prosecute offenders.
California's legislative approach to retail theft is multi-faceted and balanced, involving prosecutorial support, policy adjustments, and broader social reforms. By allocating resources to combat organized retail theft, the Legislature aims to protect businesses while ensuring that justice is fair and effective. Our actions this year demonstrate that effective policy can be made through collaboration, unity, and responsiveness to the needs of Californians.
For more information about these new laws or to schedule an interview, please contact Brenda Contreras at brenda.contreras@asm.ca.gov or (916) 319-2039.
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