California cracks down on organized retail crime with new package of laws
Retailers have called on governments to do more to combat retail theft, citing it as a growing challenge that's impacted profits, customers and staff.
https://www.cnbc.com/2024/08/19/california-retail-crime-laws-crack-down-on-organized-rings.html
Governor Newsom signed 10 new bills into law aimed at combatting retail crime in California. The laws target shoplifting, theft from vehicles, organized theft, and online resale of stolen goods. The legislation includes tougher penalties for middlemen in organized crime rings and aims to prevent the trafficking of stolen goods on online marketplaces. These measures come in response to a rise in commercial burglary and robbery rates in the state, with arrests and recoveries made by the California Highway Patrol's Organized Retail Crime Task Force. Retailers have been pressing for action on organized retail crime nationally, while Democrats seek to appear tough on crime ahead of the 2024 presidential election. Critics raise concerns about the potential disproportionate impact on marginalized groups.