Gov. Newsom signs 10 bills to fight retail crimes, car thefts and stolen good sales

Governor Gavin Newsom along with a large group of lawmakers, law enforcement, local and state leaders, and retailers came together on Friday in San Jose to celebrate what they hope will curb retail theft.

Newsom signed 10 new bills into law that aim to combat smash-and-grabs, car thefts and the sale of stolen goods in California.

MORE: Home Depot employee in her 70s fired for failing to stop $5K in fraudulent transactions: lawsuit

Videos of smash and grabs became a more common sight during the pandemic.

But since 2022, California has been cracking down on retail thefts from issuing millions of dollars in crimefighting grants, to sending additional CHP officers to parts of the Bay Area.

Now, state leaders are taking their next big step.

"I think the collective message is clear: if you ransack our stores, if you attack our people, if you endanger our communities, we will come for you," California Attorney General Rob Bonta said.

The Property Crime and Retail Theft Crackdown bill package promises stronger enforcement, more serious penalties and steep consequences.

"This package is going to be instrumental in curbing retail theft and organized retail theft in California," CA Retailers Assoc. President Rachel Michelin said.

MORE: California's top attorney announces major blow to organized retail theft ring with ties to Bay Area

"Evidence-based and results-oriented is the core of the Senate's approach in the bills that Governor Newsom will be signing today," State Senator Nancy Skinner said.

The 10 bills hold criminals accountable from crimes involving property, retail and vehicles.

They create stricter penalties, including enhanced felony charges and punishments for those selling stolen goods.

They also bolster existing laws to enforce and prosecute - particularly repeat offenders through increased probation for shoplifting and petty theft and retail theft restraining orders.

But Governor Newsom says the work does not stop here.

"Program passing is not solving a problem," Newsom said. "Solving a bill doesn't solve a problem. It's the hard work that comes over the next weeks and months to deliver on what we're promoting and promising."

MORE: Bay Area mayors Mahan and Breed join call for Prop 47 reform to crack down on theft, drugs

Results San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan looks forward to seeing.

But he believes it's only a good first step and more needs to be done to target those who commit crimes because of addiction or mental health problems.

He's calling for the passage of Prop 36, which would increase penalties for certain drug and theft crimes.

"What we really need is mass treatment," Mahan said. "And that's why I'm supporting Prop 36 and why I'm asking our leaders in Sacramento to support is more tools for judges, more treatment. We need to get our most vulnerable people into treatment now."

Newsom brushed off the idea that Prop 36 would help his cause. But he agrees, this package is only a first step.