California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks at a press conference addressing organized theft across the state in Long Beach on Wednesday, July 21, 2021. Newsom was in Long Beach for a meeting with mayors and police chiefs from across the state live and virtually to discuss rising crime and public safety issues. After the meeting he met with three business owners along 4th Street in Long Beach and then held a press conference and signed AB-331 to fight organized theft. Gov.
The Newsom initiative takes the form of Senate Bill 1381, and would require legislative approval to get onto the November ballot. Shoplifters convicted three times within three years could be jailed for up to three years. Separately, accused thieves could be charged based on the total value of multiple thefts over three years, which could boost the charge from a misdemeanor to a felony.
“This ballot measure is a critical step forward in our efforts to strengthen California’s public safety laws and provide law enforcement with additional tools to address the growing concerns of property crime and the fentanyl crisis,” Newsom said in a statement. “This balanced approach cracks down on crime and protects our communities.”
If the two competing initiatives are on the ballot together, the one with the most yes votes would take effect. Crime rates in California, including for theft, have been dropping for decades, according to the nonpartisan California Budget and Policy Center. Butsuch as shoplifting because police in many areas fail to respond to or investigate minor crimes. Widely circulated photos and video of brazen shoplifters and grab-and-run theft groups have helped push retail theft into the forefront of public concerns.