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Prop 47 Leads to Sharp Shoplifting Increase in CA

 

In November 2014, California residents voted to pass Proposition 47, also known as the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act.  This measure’s main effects were to convert many non-violent offenses, such as drug and property offenses, from felonies to down to misdemeanors.  These offenses include shoplifting (of less than $950), writing bad checks, and drug possession.

The measure aimed to reduce the state’s prison population and save the state about $150 million in related expenses.  The money saved as a result of the measure would be spent on school truancy and dropout prevention, victim services, mental health and drug abuse treatment, and other programs designed to keep offenders out of prison and jail.

Although there have been some positive outcomes of this measure, the retail industry has felt a sharp increase in shoplifting all over the state of California.

In an interview with CBS, Perry Lutz, the manager at a HobbyTown USA, says , “About a half-dozen times this year, shoplifters have stolen expensive drones or another of the remote-controlled toys.  It’s pretty much open season.  They’ll pick the $800 unit and just grab it and run out the door.”

According to The Crime Report, large California retailers, like Safeway, Target, Rite Aide, and CVS pharmacies, say shoplifting increased at least 15 percent!  In some cases, retailers reported that their shoplifting occurrences doubled since voters approved Proposition 47.  They attribute this to lowering shoplifting from a felony with a potential for prison time down to a misdemeanor.

The team at ISS urges all of our clients, especially those located in California, to make sure all of your loss prevention equipment is up-to-date and functional.  Don’t become a shoplifting statistic!  Please don’t hesitate to call us with any questions you may have, (800) 466-4502.

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