California Governor Gavin Newsom took a stand against smash-and-grab robberies and property crimes by signing a bipartisan package of 10 bills on Friday. The legislation aims to crack down on repeat offenders and professional reselling schemes, with stricter penalties for those involved.
Joined by a bipartisan coalition of state lawmakers, business leaders, and local officials at a Home Depot store in San Jose, Newsom emphasized the significance of the new laws in addressing property crime in modern California history. He praised the collaborative effort of lawmakers, retail partners, and advocates for prioritizing public safety over politics.
The issue of large-scale smash-and-grab thefts, where groups of people steal items in plain sight, has become a major concern in California and other states. The legislation allows prosecutors to combine stolen items from different victims across counties to meet the threshold for felony grand theft, leading to harsher penalties for these crimes.
While the package received bipartisan support, some progressive Democrats expressed concerns about the punitive nature of certain measures. 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.
Newsom warned 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. He emphasized the need for a balanced approach to combatting retail crime without resorting to mass incarceration.
The issue of crime has posed challenges for California Democrats, who have advocated for progressive policies to reduce incarceration rates and invest in rehabilitation programs. Newsom’s administration has allocated significant funds to support law enforcement efforts in addressing the rise of retail theft and property crimes.
As California grapples with a surge in retail crime and drug abuse, the bipartisan legislation signed by Newsom represents a step towards enhancing public safety and holding criminals accountable. The impact of these new laws will be closely monitored as the state continues to address the complex issue of property crimes.
