Loading ...“It’s Pretty Much Open Season” – Shoplifting Runs Rampant In California After Rule Changes
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However, as with most other targeted laws, Proposition 47 had other unintended consequences that were not considered.
Now that any theft below $950 keeps the crime a misdemeanor, thus ending the possibility of charging those cases as a felony with a potential prison sentence, shoplifting has increased significantly, thus adding to the expense and headache for large and small retailers alike.
Safeway, Target, Rite Aide and CVS say shoplifting has increased at least 15 percent, and in some cases, has doubled since voters approved Proposition 47, and preliminary FBI crime reports show a 12 percent spike in larceny-theft since the measure was passed. In spite of that, Public Policy Institute of California researcher Magnus Lofstrom says it’s too early to determine if those numbers had anything to do with Proposition 47.
Well, it may be too early for Lofstrom to tell, but even the police are admitting it is no longer worth it to them to chase misdemeanor theft; “It’s not worth it to issue a citation or arrest a suspect who would likely be immediately released because of overcrowding” said Fresno Police Sgt. Mark Hudson.
Small business owner Perry Lutz is seeing first hand what is happening, as his HobbyTown USA is experiencing what he refers to as open season on the drones and other remote controlled toys he sells.
“It’s pretty much open season. They’ll pick up the $800 unit and just grab it and run out the door.”