To Pamela Cruz. Peninsula 360 Press
In response to a recent surge in organized retail robberies across the state, Governor Gavin Newsom has ordered the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to increase its presence near major retailers and announced an increase in the 2022-2023 state budget to combat these types of thefts.
“The level of organized retail theft is simply unacceptable,” Governor Newsom said.
He added that businesses and customers should feel safe while doing their holiday shopping.
“That’s why California is substantially increasing CHP presence, especially near retail areas, and will invest even more to curb retail crime. As a small business owner, I am determined to hold these criminals accountable and protect our local businesses,” he stressed.
The Governor's Office said in a statement that since the rash of robberies reported over the weekend in the Bay Area, the administration has coordinated with local mayors, police departments and retailers to address the increase in the crime.
In that regard, he noted that the state has increased the presence of the California Highway Patrol in high-traffic commercial areas, and these will continue during the holiday season to assist allied partners in the capture of criminals, as well as to improve public safety.
In July, Governor Newsom joined law enforcement leaders and 13 mayors to reestablish the CHP Organized Retail Crime Task Force. Since its inception, it has conducted 773 investigations, resulting in the arrests of 240 individuals and the recovery of more than $18.9 million in stolen merchandise.
The Organized Retail Crime Task Force is responsible for working with allied law enforcement agencies and district attorneys to identify and prosecute organized theft networks, recover lost merchandise, collaborate with the retail industry to reduce theft, and improve shopper safety.
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