California Democrats are putting forth proposals to address the issue of shoplifting amid the rise in crime rates in urban centers. One proposal aims to grant police the authority to detain suspected thieves based on probable cause. Another proposal seeks to impose a prison sentence of three years on repeat offenders convicted of theft. These measures are aimed at curbing shoplifting and ensuring the safety and security of businesses in the state.
AB 1990, proposed by Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo of Boyle Heights, seeks to grant police the authority to arrest suspected thieves based on probable cause, rather than requiring them to witness the theft firsthand. This bill, which enjoys bipartisan support from Republican co-author Juan Alanis of Modesto, may have a higher chance of passing despite potential opposition from certain Democrats.
In a statement, Carrillo emphasized the urgency of AB1990, also known as the STOP Act, as a crucial response to the growing threat of organized retail theft. Carrillo highlighted the detrimental impact of shoplifting on both small and large businesses, the state’s economy, as well as the security and well-being of our neighborhoods.
State Senator Bob Archuleta, a Democrat from Pico Rivera, has introduced SB 923, which aims to broaden the scope of shoplifting by encompassing individuals who have the intention to commit the crime. Additionally, this bill proposes that thieves with two or more previous theft-related offenses could face a maximum prison sentence of three years. It is important to note that the approval of California voters is required for this bill to become law. Notably, this bipartisan bill boasts support from seven Republican Senators who have co-authored it.
State Senator Brian Dahle, a Republican from Bieber, emphasized the importance of prioritizing public safety in California. He acknowledged that crime is a significant concern for voters in the state. According to him, any legislation that aims to remove criminals from the streets and ensure their accountability is a positive step forward. While he acknowledged that these measures may not be flawless, he stressed the need to not let perfection hinder progress. As the saying goes, “don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good.”
Both bills originate from Democratic representatives in Los Angeles, a city that experienced an alarming 81% surge in reported shoplifting cases in 2023, as compared to the previous year. It is important to note that a significant portion of shoplifting incidents in the city likely go unreported. A similar situation unfolded in San Francisco in 2021, where a solitary Target store began reporting a higher number of shoplifting incidents, resulting in a doubling of the city’s overall shoplifting statistics.
Los Angeles prosecutors have expressed their support for these bills, acknowledging that their effectiveness would depend on prosecutors’ willingness to utilize them.
Former U.S. Assistant Attorney General Nate Hochman, who is running against Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon, expressed concerns about Gascon’s approach to prosecuting criminals. Hochman argued that Gascon’s reluctance to authorize prosecutions, especially for juveniles and individuals who steal less than $950, undermines the effectiveness of additional tools in tackling the situation. According to Hochman, the key to deter crime is ensuring that criminals understand they will no longer receive a free pass and that the law will be consistently and fairly enforced.
In San Francisco, the support from the public and elected officials has led to arrests and prosecutions of alleged criminals. However, despite this support, judges can still restrict legal action against these individuals.
In December, the office of San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced that they had recently filed more than 350 motions to detain suspects involved in dangerous drug dealing. However, only 34 of these motions have been granted by the courts so far.
