Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies and other law enforcement officials gathered in the Howe Bout Arden shopping plaza parking lot this week to announce that they plan to crack down on retail theft this holiday season. The area is home to a number of big box stores and restaurants.
The announcement came just a day before Proposition 36 went into effect on Dec. 18. The measure will enhance penalties for certain theft and drug-related offenses. Under Proposition 36, a Californian with two convictions for theft under $950 can be charged with a felony if accused for a third time.
With these new laws in place, Sacramento law enforcement officials said they’re planning to crack down on crime.
“We can now combine and aggregate multiple cases together to charge a felony,” said Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho. “When arrested, you will be taken to jail.”
The measure also creates an avenue to send offenders to addiction and mental health treatment.
“If people need help we’re gonna give them help, but if you’re out there stealing because you can, we’re gonna deal with you,” said Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper.
Cooper said his team has already increased operations to combat retail theft and that more accountability is needed. He thinks Proposition 36 will spur that change.
“I’m looking forward to the partnership with the District Attorney’s office and law enforcement as a whole,” Cooper said. “We’re excited about it, because for so long our hands were tied.”
Critics of the measure say it could lead to increased incarceration and that compulsory treatment won’t work. California voters approved Proposition 36 by almost 70% in November’s General Election.
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