NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED FEDERAL LAWYERS
Los Angeles Shoplifting
|Last Updated on: 29th September 2023, 09:00 am
Los Angeles Shoplifting – A Human Perspective
Shoplifting has become a major issue in Los Angeles. While violent crime rates have fallen, shoplifting reports have skyrocketed. In January 2023 alone, there were over 800 shoplifting incidents reported in LA – the highest monthly total in over a decade[2]. For local business owners, this surge in petty theft has been an absolute nightmare.
I wanted to write this article to provide some background on shoplifting laws in LA, share some insights on what’s causing the spike, and offer a human perspective on how we can address this problem with empathy. There’s no doubt shoplifting is illegal, but taking a punitive approach and locking up low-level offenders won’t get to the root of the issue. We need to have some compassion here.
Shoplifting Laws in Los Angeles
Let’s start with the basics. Shoplifting is legally defined as entering a business with the intent to steal merchandise worth $950 or less[1]. Anything above $950 is considered grand theft, which is a felony. Now in LA, the threshold used to be $400, but Proposition 47 raised it to $950 back in 2014.
If you’re caught shoplifting, you’ll likely be charged with petty theft under California Penal Code Section 484. For first-time offenders, prosecutors can reduce the charge to an infraction with a fine under $250 and no jail time[3]. But if you have prior theft convictions, you could face up to 6 months in county jail[5].
Now being labeled as a “shoplifter” can really hurt your reputation and future prospects. Many employers won’t hire someone with a theft conviction. It can also impact immigration status for non-citizens. So even if it seems like a petty offense, the consequences are very real.
What’s Causing the Surge in LA?
From 2015-2019, LA averaged around 6,500 shoplifting reports per year. But in 2023, incidents have spiked drastically[4]. What gives?
Well, there are likely several factors at play:
- Economic hardship – Rising costs of living and growing inequality could be driving more petty theft out of desperation.
- Reduced enforcement – LAPD has shifted resources away from low-level offenses to focus on violent crime.
- Retail closures – More vacant storefronts mean fewer witnesses and easier targets.
- Proposition 47 – Some argue raising the felony threshold to $950 encouraged more petty theft.
It’s a complex issue without a simple explanation. But the downturn in the economy combined with police pulling back seems to be the main drivers. Lots of folks are struggling financially, and they know LAPD is busy with more “serious” crimes.
A Human Perspective
Look, I get it – shoplifting is wrong, illegal, and hurts hardworking business owners. But strictly punishing petty theft won’t solve the problem. We need to have some empathy here and look at the bigger picture.
Not everyone who shoplifts is a hardened criminal. Many are regular folks facing desperate circumstances, who make a poor decision in the moment. Yes, they did something illegal. But locking them up and ruining their future over some stolen groceries or clothes is an overreaction.
We need to create more economic opportunity and social support in struggling communities. People need access to food, shelter, healthcare, and good jobs so they don’t feel forced to steal. For those dealing with addiction or mental health issues, get them help don’t throw them in jail.
Stores also need better security, staff training, and technology to prevent theft. But they should avoid overly aggressive enforcement that ends up penalizing petty offenders. Use common sense – apprehend serial shoplifters, but let a desperate mom caught stealing formula for her baby off with a warning.
With some understanding and practical fixes, we can reduce shoplifting without ruining lives over minor offenses. But we need to see petty thieves as human beings, not hardened criminals. Have compassion, while also taking reasonable steps to protect businesses.
The law should come down hard on serious crime, absolutely. But a little empathy goes a long way when dealing with non-violent, low-level offenses born of desperation. We must address the root causes that drive petty theft through economic and social progress.