One California police department released video of two shoplifters learning about a new state law the hard way. Proposition 36, a California ballot measure passed in November 2024 with nearly 70% of the vote, reclassified some shoplifting crimes as felonies. This reverses a 2014 measure that downgraded certain shoplifting offenses to misdemeanors. Supporters argued this change would save money and allow for a focus on treatment rather than incarceration.
However, shoplifting rates in California have been rising since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Public Policy Institute of California, the rate of theft of goods worth up to $950 increased by 28 percent over the past five years. Local police departments, including the Seal Beach Police Department which released the shoplifting video, supported the restoration of felony penalties.
Conversely, Democratic state leaders and criminal justice reform advocates express concerns. They argue the law will disproportionately imprison poor individuals and those with substance abuse or mental health issues. Furthermore, they believe it will divert resources from targeting larger-scale shoplifting operations that resell stolen goods online. The change is also projected to significantly increase California’s prison population. Californians for Safety and Justice, an organization advocating for reduced prison spending, estimates the law will add 130,000 people to the state’s jail system annually.
The video shows the shoplifters’ reaction upon learning about the new law, with one exclaiming, “It’s a felony?” and another stating, “*, new laws…. Stealing is a felony and this [is] Orange County, *, they don’t play.”
For Straight Arrow News, I’m Lauren Taylor. For the latest updates, download the Straight Arrow News app or visit SAN.com. *(Note: The remainder of the text appears to be website footer information and is not included in this rewritten paragraphing.)*