From CNBC: 2024-08-19 13:37:29

Governor Newsom signed a landmark legislative package at a Home Depot store in San Jose to crack down on retail crime in California. The new laws aim to combat shoplifting, online resale of stolen goods, and organized theft rings. Penalties for middlemen in these rings have been toughened, with one such “queenpin” receiving a prison sentence.

Organized retail crime rings like that of Michelle Mack have been cited as a reason for lower profits and operational difficulties by retailers in California. Area theft rates have been steadily rising, with the California Highway Patrol making hundreds of arrests since January. Retailers have been urging Congress to address organized retail crime nationally.

With the 2024 presidential election approaching, Democrats are seeking to appear tough on crime in response to rising national crime rates. Critics of the push fear the measures may harm marginalized groups disproportionately. One bill in the new package focuses on preventing the trafficking of stolen goods on online marketplaces, such as Amazon, to further combat organized retail theft.



Read more at CNBC: California retail crime laws aim to crack down on organized rings