Newsom signs bill bolstering ‘smash and grab’ sentencing

In finalizing the complete package of historic bills to crack down on retail and property crime, Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed AB 1960 by Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas to create steeper felony penalties for large-scale felony theft offenses. The bill would mandate that courts impose an enhanced sentence when suspects take, damage, or destroy property valued at over $50,000 during the commission of any felony, including retail theft. Targeting large-scale fencing operations, the same enhanced sentences will also be applicable to those who knowingly receive stolen property or resell such property.
“California already has some of the strictest retail and property crime laws in the nation — and we have made them even stronger with our recent legislation,” Newsom said. “ We can be tough on crime while also being smart on crime — we don’t need to go back to broken policies of the last century. Mass incarceration has been proven ineffective and is not the answer – we need true accountability and strategies that enhance our nation-leading efforts to address crime. I thank Speaker Rivas for his leadership in strengthening law enforcement tools in California.”
The Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) recently published the results of the second quarter of the Organized Retail Theft Prevention Grant and the Organized Retail Theft Vertical Prosecution Grant Program. The grants, which are awarded to local law enforcement agencies and prosecutors throughout California, fund efforts to hold retail and property thieves accountable.
In January, Newsom called on lawmakers from both sides of the aisle to enact robust laws to better assist law enforcement and prosecutors in safeguarding communities and holding criminals accountable. Today, Governor Newsom signed the final bill in a robust and historic public safety package to strengthen California’s existing law enforcement tools and better protect Californians.
“Violent ‘sledgehammer crimes’ and flash-mob attacks by organized gangs must stop now. I authored this new law to hold appropriately responsible those who damage stores and property, because our business owners and workers should not have to live in fear that these crimes will come to their doorstep. I thank Governor Newsom for signing this bill so we can keep our communities safe,” Speaker Robert Rivas said.
“Assembly Bill 1960 serves as a deterrent against ‘smash and grabs’ and retail crime. It sends a clear message that such illicit and dangerous activities will not be tolerated, thereby helping to protect businesses, consumers, and communities from the adverse effects of criminal behavior. Those who deliberately target and destroy property in the commission of felonies will now face harsher penalties sending a clear message that this behavior will no longer be tolerated in California,” said Rachel Michelin, President and CEO of the California Retailers Association. “The California Retailers Association applauds Speaker Rivas, the bill’s author, and Governor Newsom for their ongoing leadership in addressing retail crime in California and ensuring retailers, law enforcement and district attorneys have all the tools they need to hold criminals accountable for retail theft across the state.”
“By implementing stricter sentencing enhancements for the value of stolen property, we are sending a strong message to criminals that preying on other people’s possessions will not be tolerated,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert G. Luna. “This piece of legislation is vital in ensuring that those who continue to undermine our community’s well-being face appropriate consequences, ultimately creating a safer environment for all. I applaud Governor Gavin Newsom for signing AB 1960 because it represents a crucial step toward enhancing the safety and security of our communities.”