Gov. Newsom Signs Landmark Bills to Combat Organized Retail Theft and Property Crimes in California

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Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a comprehensive package of bills designed to combat organized retail theft and property crimes across California. The legislation, signed on Friday in San Jose, is being hailed as one of the most significant efforts to address property crime in the state’s recent history.

The new laws introduce a range of measures aimed at curbing the growing problem of retail theft, including stricter penalties for large-scale theft operations, enhanced enforcement tools for law enforcement, and the creation of Retail Crime Restraining Orders. These restraining orders can be imposed on individuals convicted of theft, vandalism, or assault within a store, providing new avenues to prevent repeat offenses.

"California’s hard-working business owners asked for our help, and today we are delivering thoughtful, balanced new laws that will protect their livelihoods, workers, and customers," said Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, who was instrumental in pushing the legislation forward. He emphasized that the new laws are a direct response to the increasing concerns of shop owners and consumers alike.

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Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur, who chaired the Select Committee on Retail Theft, expressed his gratitude for the Governor’s support, stating, "This legislation directly benefits Californians by addressing the urgent issue of retail crime, which impacts shoppers, business owners, and workers across our state."

Among the bills signed into law is AB 3209, authored by Assemblymembers Marc Berman and Robert Rivas. This bill introduces the Retail Crime Restraining Order, a first-of-its-kind legal tool aimed at preventing repeat offenses in retail environments. "This bill provides a new enforcement tool that will keep stores and workers safe from crime as rates of retail theft and robbery have risen in California," said Rachel Michelin, president and CEO of the California Retailers Association.

The package also includes provisions that allow for the aggregation of stolen goods’ values to meet the threshold for felony charges, new penalties for smash-and-grab operations, and increased enforcement against car break-ins. These measures are part of a broader strategy to strengthen local law enforcement's ability to address evolving criminal tactics.

Attorney General Rob Bonta and other state leaders have praised the legislative package, noting that it builds on previous efforts to curb retail theft. Since 2019, the state has invested over $1 billion to fight crime and improve public safety, including targeted efforts to combat organized retail crime.

Governor Newsom’s signing of these bills marks a significant step in California’s ongoing efforts to protect businesses and consumers from the rising tide of organized retail theft. With these new laws, the state aims to create a safer environment for both shoppers and retailers while holding criminals accountable for their actions.