California Lawmakers Propose Bill Aimed at Punishing Repeat Retail Theft Offenders

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
23/01/2024 21h51

In response to the rising concerns over repeat retail theft offenses, California lawmakers and law enforcement agencies convened at the Governor's Press Room in Downtown Sacramento on Monday. The meeting aimed to address the issue and propose measures to curb this trend.

At the forefront of the discussions was Assembly Bill 1772, authored by Assemblymember James Ramos. The bill garnered support from various stakeholders who believe it would provide a much-needed deterrent to repeat offenders in the realm of retail theft. If passed, the legislation would require jail time for individuals convicted of a third theft crime, regardless of the stolen goods' value.

The need for stricter punishment became evident as victims shared their traumatic experiences. One such individual was Josh Varner, the owner of Zanzibar Fair Trade Imports in Sacramento. Varner revealed that his store suffered a devastating theft last October, with the thief making off with antiques worth $100,000, some dating back a thousand years. He later discovered that the perpetrator had a history of stealing from other businesses in the area, causing widespread financial and emotional damage.

Proposition 47, which has been in place for the past decade, reduced thefts under $950 to misdemeanors. However, AB 1772 seeks to rectify this by imposing jail terms ranging from one to three years for repeat offenders, regardless of the value of the stolen goods. Lawmakers present at the meeting emphasized that repeat offenders should no longer be given a "get out of jail free" card.

Instances of retail theft have been on the rise, with many establishments falling victim to pilferage in recent years. Amber Torres, a shopper at Zanzibar, voiced her frustration, recounting an incident at Walgreens where a thief walked out with unpaid items, leaving law-abiding citizens feeling unfairly burdened. Roseville Police also apprehended a 23-year-old woman this month for allegedly stealing Stanley Cups worth nearly $2,500, further highlighting the scope of the problem.

Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper drew attention to the limitations of current law, which prevents the cumulation of dollar amounts in cases of theft. AB 1772 aims to address this issue and ensure that repeat offenders face consequences for their actions. Sheriff Cooper revealed that the county currently has over 33,000 outstanding misdemeanor warrants, with a significant number stemming from the leniency brought about by Proposition 47.

Supporters of the bill stressed the urgent need for action, describing how criminals now feel emboldened to engage in large-scale theft due to the perceived lack of consequences. If AB 1772 passes, repeat offenders would face jail time for offenses such as grand theft, burglary, robbery, mail theft, and more.

Lawmakers plan to push for AB 1772 to be included on this year's ballot, allowing voters to have a say in the matter. By targeting repeat retail theft offenders, they hope to restore a sense of justice and deter criminal activities that harm local businesses and citizens alike.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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