By Dean Garrison
Once again, in the Land of Fruits and Nuts, the criminals have outsmarted the lawmakers.
In 2014 California passed Proposition 47, which made theft of property valued at less than $950 a misdemeanor offense rather than a felony.
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The previous threshold was $450.
Guess how that is working out?
CBS Sacramento reports:
You’ve likely seen the videos on social media or the local news: groups of people rushing into a store, grabbing armfuls of merchandise. The brazen crimes are on the rise and CBS13 has learned, in most cases, the crooks get away from authorities.
After searching police reports and arrest records, CBS13 found that while the rate of these grab and dash crimes is on the rise, the rate of arrest is down. We turned to law enforcement and the retail industry for answers. Both blame a California law intended to make “neighborhoods safe.”
“It’s a boldness like we’re seeing never before and just a disregard for fellow human beings,” said Lieutenant Mark Donaldson, Vacaville PD.
He explained these crimes have evolved into more than just shoplifting. It’s organized retail theft and he says it’s happening across the state. Cities like Vacaville, with outlets and shopping centers located near major freeways, tend to be a target for these organized retail crime rings.
…
“They know the law,” Donaldson said. “One of the first things they ask us [is] ‘Can’t I just get a ticket so I can be on my way?’”
He explained many suspects know theft under $950 is now a misdemeanor, meaning most get a written citation, a court date and are released. (RELATED: Christmas in July? Flash mob of some 60 black teens loot a Walgreens pharmacy in Philly)
To be fair, California merchants should be forced to hang a sign reading “Theft of less than $950 is a misdemeanor in California.”
This is beyond ridiculous.
It’s just another in a long line of failed California Liberal laws and policies.
Cross-posted at DC Clothesline
