Governor Newsom signs “smash-and-grab” bill to strengthen felony sentences for large-scale theft offenses
Sep 12, 2024
Governor Gavin Newsom has signed AB 1960, a bill authored by Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, aimed at enhancing felony penalties for large-scale property theft crimes. The legislation mandates enhanced sentencing for individuals who steal, damage, or destroy property valued over $50,000 during the commission of any felony, including retail theft. These enhanced sentences also apply to those who knowingly receive or resell stolen property.
“California already has some of the strictest retail and property crime laws in the nation — and we have made them even stronger with our recent legislation. We can be tough on crime while also being smart on crime — we don’t need to go back to broken policies of the last century. Mass incarceration has been proven ineffective and is not the answer – we need true accountability and strategies that enhance our nation-leading efforts to address crime. I thank Speaker Rivas for his leadership in strengthening law enforcement tools in California,” Governor Gavin Newsom stated.
The signing follows an announcement by Governor Newsom regarding California’s $267 million grants aimed at assisting local law enforcement in addressing organized criminal activity. In the first six months of the grant cycle, law enforcement agencies have arrested over 6,900 suspects for retail and property crime offenses.
In January, Governor Newsom called on lawmakers from both parties to enact robust laws to better assist law enforcement and prosecutors in safeguarding communities. Today’s signing marks the completion of a historic public safety package designed to bolster California’s existing law enforcement tools.
“Violent ‘sledgehammer crimes’ and flash-mob attacks by organized gangs must stop now. I authored this new law to hold appropriately responsible those who damage stores and property because our business owners and workers should not have to live in fear that these crimes will come to their doorstep. I thank Governor Newsom for signing this bill so we can keep our communities safe,” said Speaker Robert Rivas.
Rachel Michelin, President and CEO of the California Retailers Association, commented: “Assembly Bill 1960 serves as a deterrent against ‘smash and grabs’ and retail crime. It sends a clear message that such illicit and dangerous activities will not be tolerated, thereby helping to protect businesses, consumers, and communities from the adverse effects of criminal behavior.”
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert G. Luna added: “By implementing stricter sentencing enhancements for the value of stolen property, we are sending a strong message to criminals that preying on other people’s possessions will not be tolerated.”
The new laws aim to crack down on theft and sale of stolen items by creating stricter penalties for individuals involved in retail and property theft; increasing enforcement capabilities; combining values of stolen goods across different victims or counties; targeting smash-and-grab operations; fighting car break-ins; and eliminating sunset provisions related to retail theft statutes.
Since 2019, Governor Newsom has invested $1.1 billion in efforts to fight crime and improve public safety across California. The state’s largest-ever investment against organized retail crime includes $267 million distributed last year to help local communities combat such activities.
The California Highway Patrol reported a significant increase in proactive operations targeting organized retail crime last year with ongoing efforts showing promising results this year as well.
