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California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill Thursday that reinstates tough criminal penalties for those who conduct large-scale theft schemes and smash-and-grab robberies that continue to frustrate voters across the state.
Under the new law, prosecutors are required to begin imposing harsher sentences on those who damage or destroy property with a value of more than $50,000 while committing a felony.
In 2018, a similar law expired, though the new law will sunset by 2030.
“California already has some of the strictest retail and property crime laws in the nation, and we have made them even stronger with our recent legislation,” Newsom said in a statement. “We can be tough on crime while also being smart on crime. We don’t need to go back to broken policies of the last century.”
SACRAMENTO CITY ATTORNEY REPORTEDLY THREATENED TO FINE TARGET STORE FOR REPORTING THEFT CRIMES
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill Thursday to return to harsh penalties for those who conduct smash-and-grab retail thefts. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Newsom’s decision to bring back tough penalties comes as Democratic lawmakers try to convince voters they are tough on crime. At the same time, the same lawmakers are working to convince voters to reject a ballot measure that would bring even harsher sentences for repeat offenders on shoplifting and drug charges.
In California, shoplifting has been a growing problem, though large-scale smash-and-grab thefts have become a crisis, not just in the Golden State, but across the country.
Smash-and-grab thefts are typically done by groups who rush into stores and snatch merchandise sitting in plain sight. The crimes are oftentimes caught on video and posted to social media, bringing attention to the problem of retail theft in the state.
SACRAMENTO MASS SHOOTING SUSPECT FOUND DEAD IN JAIL CELL WHILE AWAITING TRIAL
Video of a shocking smash-and-grab robbery shows the moment a Sunnyvale jewelry store is overwhelmed by suspects armed with tools and…
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