Governor Gavin Newsom signs legislation in San Jose to combat shoplifting in California

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) — Governor Gavin Newsom joined a large group of politicians, law enforcement officials, local and state politicians and retailers in San Jose on Friday to celebrate what they hope will help curb shoplifting.

Newsom signed ten new laws to combat burglary, auto theft and trafficking in stolen goods in California.

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During the pandemic, videos of burglaries have become more common.

But since 2022, California has been cracking down on shoplifting, from awarding millions in crime-fighting grants to sending additional CHP officers to parts of the Bay Area.

Now the heads of state and government are taking the next big step.

“I think the common message is clear: If you loot our stores, if you attack our people, if you endanger our communities, we will come for you,” said California Attorney General Rob Bonta.

The legislative package to combat property crime and shoplifting promises stronger law enforcement, tougher penalties and drastic consequences.

“This package will be critical in reducing shoplifting and organized shoplifting in California,” said Rachel Michelin, president of the CA Retailers Assoc.

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“The Senate’s approach in the bills Governor Newsom will sign today is evidence-based and results-oriented,” said State Senator Nancy Skinner.

The ten bills hold criminals accountable for crimes related to property, retail and vehicles.

They lead to harsher penalties, including increased felony charges and penalties for sellers of stolen goods.

They also strengthen existing laws to enforce and prosecute – particularly repeat offenders – through longer suspended sentences for shoplifting and petty theft, and through injunctions for shoplifting.

But Governor Newsom says the work doesn't end there.

“Passing a program doesn't solve a problem,” Newsom said. “Passing a bill doesn't solve a problem. It's the hard work that's going to happen over the next few weeks and months to deliver on what we're promoting and promising.”

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San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan is looking forward to the results.

However, he is convinced that this is only a good first step and that more needs to be done to target those who commit crimes due to addiction or mental health problems.

He is calling for the passage of Bill 36, which would lead to higher penalties for certain drug and theft offenses.

“What we really need is mass treatment,” Mahan said. “And that's why I support Proposition 36 and ask our politicians in Sacramento to support more tools for judges and more treatment options. We need to get our most vulnerable people into treatment now.”

Newsom dismissed the notion that Prop 36 would help his cause, but he agrees that this package is just a first step.

Rep. Mia Bonta, who represents the 18th congressional district, which consists of Oakland, Alameda and Emeryville, issued the following statement in response to the new bills:

Through my years of experience on the ground in my district, I have seen firsthand the hardships of our community as we fought for faster progress on public safety. As a legislator, I supported the legislation I was most confident would provide relief, including more resources for prosecutors, combating cargo theft, and shutting down illicit markets. While I fulfilled other legislative obligations in voting on select parts of the package, I voted for and continue to support legislation that has been proven to reduce crime, improve safety, and increase community prosperity, without returning to the expensive, ineffective, and discriminatory mass incarceration practices of the past, as Prop 36 proposes.

I served on the Special Committee on Shoplifting and am grateful for our debate and solutions-oriented approach in addressing this issue and providing much-needed relief to Californians.

I am grateful to the Governor for his open communication, for talking with me about the needs of my district, and for providing additional state resources to Oakland and the East Bay, such as increasing CHP staffing, remediating grievances, and supporting small businesses.