The new legislation is designed for further crack downs on property and retail crime. Credit: Pla2na/Shutterstock.

California’s Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a comprehensive legislative package aimed at intensifying the crackdown on retail crime and property theft in the US state.  

The move follows the California legislature’s bipartisan approval of a bill on 13 August 2024.  

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The new legislation, known as SB 1144, establishes stricter criminal penalties for repeat offenders and enhances tools for felony prosecutions.  

Governor Newsom said: “Let’s be clear, this is the most significant legislation to address property crime in modern California history. I thank the bipartisan group of lawmakers, our retail partners and advocates for putting public safety over politics.  

“While some try to take us back to ineffective and costly policies of the past, these new laws present a better way forward — making our communities safer and providing meaningful tools to help law enforcement arrest criminals and hold them accountable.” 

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The laws are set to provide additional resources to combat smash-and-grab robberies, property crime, retail theft and auto burglaries.  

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It will enable police to arrest retail theft suspects with probable cause without witnessing a crime in progress. 

Despite California’s crime rate being close to historic lows, these laws are a response to the evolving tactics of criminals, ensuring that they are effectively held accountable. 

SB 1144 received unanimous support in the state Senate and Assembly, with votes of 37-0 and 73-0 respectively.  

This law is an extension of Senator Nancy Skinner’s previous legislation, SB 301, which targeted the online sale of stolen goods. 

With the governor’s endorsement, the new laws are scheduled to come into force on 1 July 2025.