Retail crimes continue in California as Gov. Newsom signs 10 bills to fight car thefts and stolen good sales

SEATTLE - On the same day California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed 10 new bills aimed at combating smash-and-grabs, car thefts and the sale of stolen goods in California, three 7-Eleven stores located in the Hollywood area were robbed by a large group of thieves.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, around 20 people broke into the stores on Aug. 16 to steal food and beverages before fleeing the crime scene in bicycles. All three establishments were robbed within minutes of each other. Law enforcement has not confirmed if all three thefts are related.

Earlier that day, Gov. Newsom, along with a large group of lawmakers, law enforcement, local and state leaders, and retailers came together in San Jose for the signing of a series of bills, which are intended to make it easier to prosecute people suspected of retail and vehicle theft.

The bills Newsom signed would make repeated theft convictions a felony, collect crimes across multiple counties into one court so they can be charged as a felony and allow police to arrest someone on suspicion of retail theft even if the officer does not witness the crime.

"Shoplifting and retail theft are the issue that is front and center of the consciousness of so many Californians," Newsom said at the signing event held at a Home Depot in San Jose

"A promise made is a promise kept — we're taking bipartisan action to make our communities safer and stronger," said Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire. "These ten critical bills will crack down on retail theft, blunt local crime, and help our downtowns thrive for decades to come

According to property crime statistics by the Public Policy Institute of California, crime rates in 2023, specifically shoplifting and commercial burglaries, soared after the COVID-19 pandemic higher than at any time since at least 2000.

According to the analysis, reported shoplifting incidents increased by 28% in 2023 compared to 2019, with more than 90% of the statewide rise occurring in just four counties: Alameda, Los Angeles, Sacramento, and San Mateo.

The authors of the analysis noted that shoplifting tends to be underreported, so the actual numbers are likely higher.

A recent poll conducted by the Los Angeles Times suggested that voters are in favor of tougher penalties for some crimes. According to the poll, about 56% of respondents said they would vote yes on Proposition 36, the legislation that would make several key changes related to punishments for theft and drug crimes.

The poll's director, Mark DiCamillo, attributed the support for a harsher anti-crime measure to the "great visibility" of retail crime.