LOS ANGELES, California – California Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed new legislation aimed at strengthening criminal penalties for theft and property crimes, particularly retail theft. The governor’s call for expanded penalties has garnered praise from retail lobby groups, who see it as a crucial step in addressing the issue.
In a statement, Governor Newsom emphasized the need to take action against those profiting from retail theft and auto burglaries. He believes that implementing stricter laws will enhance public safety and provide law enforcement and prosecutors with the necessary tools to hold professional criminals accountable.
Rachel Michelin, the CEO of the California Retailers Association, expressed her support for the governor’s efforts. She commended him for addressing organized retail crime and collaborating with retailers to propose legislative solutions that tackle serial theft and organized retail crime in California. Michelin emphasized the significance of prioritizing consumer and employee safety, as well as protecting jobs and the economy.
The issue of organized retail crime gained attention following a report from the National Retail Federation in April 2023, which claimed that retailers were experiencing significant financial losses due to theft rings. However, the report was later retracted after it was revealed that the data used to arrive at the figures was faulty and highly inaccurate.
According to Retail Dive, the California Retailers Association based its claim of $3.6 billion in annual retail losses from organized retail crime on questionable numbers provided by the Retail Industry Leaders Association. The reliance on inaccurate data has raised concerns about the actual extent of organized retail crime in the state.
Governor Newsom’s proposed legislation aims to address these issues and strengthen penalties for individuals involved in retail theft and property crimes. By doing so, it is hoped that California will become a safer place, with increased accountability for professional criminals.
In summary, California Governor Gavin Newsom has called for new legislation to expand and stiffen criminal penalties for theft and property crimes, specifically retail theft. Retail lobby groups, including the California Retailers Association, have praised the effort as a significant step toward combatting organized retail crime. Despite concerns about the accuracy of previous figures, the governor aims to enhance public safety and ensure that professional criminals are held accountable.