An accused California shoplifter was stunned to learn she could face serious charges following “new laws” cracking down on low-level theft, police video shows.
Seal Beach Police Department in Orange County published a montage Security, dash and body camera video shows three women allegedly taking more than $600 worth of merchandise from Ulta Beauty before officers grabbed the girls, slapped them and pushed them into a squad car .
Then one of the suspects asks if they can be charged with a felony, to which his partner delivers the sobering news: “B—h, new laws. Theft is a serious crime.”
“This is Orange County, b-h. They don’t play,” lamented the alleged thief.
The new law in question is Proposition 36 — a ballot initiative that went into effect Wednesday that seeks to eliminate soft-on-crime policies that limit law enforcement’s ability to crack down on lesser crimes like shoplifting.
Under a law passed in 2014, thieves can only be charged with a misdemeanor if the items stolen are less than $950.
But the law coincided with a rise in retail theft, leading to an outcry from citizens and businesses alike and forcing politicians to eventually reverse course.
Nearly 70% of voters voted in favor of Proposition 36.
“Here in Seal Beach we have never believed in the cite and release program, but this new proposal only strengthens our commitment to combating organized retail theft,” Seal Beach PD wrote in the caption of the video. Made for walking.”
It further said, “Remember friends, don’t steal under seal.”
(Tags to translate)US News(T)California(T)Crime(T)Orange County(T)Theft
