cnbc.com_2 on Nostr: Bullet points of California cracks down on organized retail crime with new package of ...

Bullet points of California cracks down on organized retail crime with new package of laws
- California Governor Gavin Newsom signed 10 new bills into law to combat retail crime, including tougher penalties for middlemen in organized retail crime rings.
- The new laws aim to crack down on shoplifting, theft from a vehicle, organized theft, and online marketplaces where stolen goods are resold.
- The package includes SB 1416, which establishes additional prison time and fines for the sale, exchange or return of stolen property.
- The law was introduced in response to a CNBC investigation that exposed an organized retail crime ring led by 'queenpin' Michelle Mack, who made millions reselling stolen goods on Amazon.
- The new laws come after retailers have called on both local and federal governments to do more to combat retail theft, citing it as a growing challenge that's impacted profits, customers, and staff.
- The California Highway Patrol's Organized Retail Crime Task Force has made 884 arrests and recovered over 250,000 stolen items valued at over $7.2 million since January.
- Retailers have been urging Congress to crack down on organized retail crime nationally, with the National Retail Federation pushing to make it easier to prosecute theft as a federal felony.
- The new laws may disproportionately harm marginalized groups, with critics fearing the measures may have unintended consequences.