SACRAMENTO, Calif — Retail theft has been a growing concern in California.
State Assemblymember James Ramos (D-San Bernadino) has introduced a bill, AB 1772, requiring jail time for repeat theft offenders.
Flanked by law enforcement officers from around the state, Ramos said it was time to “start to hold people accountable for their actions.”
“Especially if it was their third time or fourth time being convicted of retail theft,” Ramos said.
If approved, store thefts would no longer be processed as a misdemeanor with no jail time if a suspect has been convicted of two or more theft-related offences.
Punishment could range from six months to three years in county jail.
Maurice Henderson called it “gut-wrenching” when he saw surveillance video of organized thefts at his small clothing store, Best Fitted, on Arden Way.
“They don’t understand that with a small business like this, you’re literally taking food out of kids’ mouths,” Henderson said. “We’re not a big corporation or anything like that, so we’re affected by every loss.”
The National Retail Federation said companies lost $112 billion in 2022 due to organized retail crime.
Sacramento ranked number seven for worst cities in America when it comes to the issue.
Tired of waiting for change, Henderson and his partner took matters into their own hands by installing a MagLock security door.
They support the new bill too and harsher penalties for thieves.
“Because they have to be held accountable for their actions,” Henderson said.
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