Just hours after Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a package of bills into law to combat smash-and-grab robberies, a group of up to 30 “kids and teenagers” stormed three separate 7-Eleven stores in Los Angeles, stealing food and drink items before fleeing on bicycles. The group began their rampage at a store on West Sunset Boulevard, then moved onto another store near Hollywood Blvd and Highland Ave. A third store on Santa Monica Boulevard was also targeted, with items worth over $2,000 taken. Video surveillance footage from the robberies shows the teenagers ransacking the stores with their faces visible. The incidents highlight the ongoing issue of retail theft in California.
Newsom’s package of 10 bills creates stricter penalties for repeat offenders and individuals involved in professional reselling schemes. This legislation allows prosecutors to combine the value of stolen items from different victims across various counties to enforce harsher penalties for smash-and-grabs and large-scale reselling operations. Newsom described the package as a turning point in addressing the lawless behavior that has plagued California in recent years. While the package received bipartisan support from the California Legislature, some progressive Democrats did not vote for it over concerns that certain aspects were too punitive.
In addition to addressing smash-and-grab robberies, the legislation also aims to tackle cargo thefts and close a legal loophole to make it easier to prosecute auto thefts. The package also requires marketplaces like eBay to collect bank account and tax identification numbers from high-volume sellers. This move comes as Democratic leadership in California works to demonstrate their toughness on crime while simultaneously urging voters to reject Proposition 36, a ballot measure that would impose felony charges for repeat shoplifters and certain drug offenses. Democrats were unsuccessful in their efforts to keep Proposition 36 off the ballot for the upcoming election.
Friday’s string of smash-and-grabs in Los Angeles occurred shortly after Newsom signed the bills, showcasing the ongoing challenge of retail theft in the city. The incidents have brought national attention to the rise of lawless behavior in California. The legislation passed aims to address the root of these issues in a thoughtful and judicious manner, according to Newsom. Despite bipartisan support, some progressive Democrats opposed the bills, citing concerns about the punitive nature of certain provisions. The legislation is part of a broader effort by state Democrats to crack down on crime while simultaneously navigating complex social issues related to poverty and substance abuse.
The robberies at the 7-Eleven stores in Los Angeles underscore the broader issue of retail theft in California and the need for stricter penalties to deter such criminal behavior. Newsom’s package of bills aims to address the root causes of smash-and-grab robberies and professional reselling schemes by imposing harsher penalties for repeat offenders. The legislation received bipartisan support but faced opposition from some progressive Democrats who viewed certain provisions as overly punitive. As California continues to grapple with crime and social issues, lawmakers are working to strike a balance between addressing criminal behavior and addressing the underlying factors that contribute to it.
