CALIFORNIA, USA — Organized retail crime and professional thieves could be in store for a crackdown on property crime in California.
Governor Gavin Newsom called for new laws Tuesday targeting thieves and bolstering the response of law enforcement across the state.
Newsom's framework has a number of key points, such as clarifying the value from multiple thefts can be combined until it reaches the felony level and allowing police to arrest retail theft suspects even if they don't see a crime in progress.
However, it's also calling for some additions to the law, such as tougher penalties and more prison time for professional thieves who resell stolen items. It extends to auto burglary as well, with a call to increase penalties for people who try to resell stolen car items.
"Building on California’s existing laws and record public safety investments, I’m calling for new legislation to expand criminal penalties for those profiting on retail theft and auto burglaries," Newsom said in a news release. "These laws will make California safer and bolster police and prosecutor tools to arrest and hold professional criminals accountable."
Since 2019, the state has invested $1.1 billion to fight crime and improve public safety.
Back in September, agencies around California were given millions to strike back against organized retail theft. Agencies like Roseville Police Department used the funding for new equipment while other agencies like Modesto used the funds for personnel to focus on theft cases, new technology like license plate readers and a civilian investigator.
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