New Wave of Theft Laws to Take Effect in California Starting January 1

SACRAMENTO, CA – In response to a surge in retail theft affecting businesses across the state, California is enacting a series of new laws aimed at cracking down on organized retail crime and closing legal loopholes.

According to ABC 10, ten new laws will take effect on January 1, 2025, targeting smash-and-grab thefts, organized retail crime, and stolen goods trafficking.

One of the key new laws strengthens prosecution efforts against organized theft rings by allowing prosecutors to combine the value of stolen goods across multiple stores and counties to reach the $950 felony theft threshold. This provision aims to prevent repeat offenders from avoiding harsher penalties by keeping individual theft amounts below the felony threshold.

Another significant law targets the sale of stolen goods. Under the new measure, selling stolen property valued at $50,000 or more will result in harsher penalties, making it more difficult for criminals to profit from stolen merchandise.

Additionally, law enforcement officers will now have the authority to arrest retail theft suspects without witnessing the crime firsthand, a move designed to help businesses and police respond more effectively to theft incidents.

California is also introducing a new criminal offense for possession of stolen property obtained through vehicle theft or illegal entry into a vehicle. This legislation increases penalties for auto break-ins and smash-and-grab thefts, addressing a growing concern among vehicle owners and law enforcement.

With these new laws in place, California aims to curb rising retail crime, support business owners, and enhance public safety across the state.