Videos shown on news outlets and social media have captured large groups of thieves stealing thousands of dollars of merchandise in a matter of minutes. This crime can be devastating to the business, traumatic for workers, and unsafe for shoppers. The loss often leads to higher prices for consumers.
To help crack down on these brazen smash-and-grabs, the state is stepping in with funding I championed with Governor Newsom. Nearly $270 million in grants have been made available to law enforcement, making this California’s largest single investment to combat organized retail crime.