Los Angeles Sees Increased Looting Amid Protests

Los Angeles is currently experiencing a wave of unrest and looting, which some say is linked to broader criminal activity in the area.

Criminal defense attorney David Wall pointed out to Fox News Digital that recent changes in legislation mean that looters are facing more serious consequences. The reversal of Prop. 47, which previously did not classify theft under $950 as a crime, has altered how theft is prosecuted.

“Now we have a very conservative, rechargeable DA in Los Angeles,” Wall explained. “He calculates the total theft value among co-defendants. If the total exceeds $950, everyone involved can be charged with a felony.” This marks a shift in focus from more lenient policies, especially in cities that often overlooked minor thefts.

Back in 2014, California voters approved Proposition 47, aiming to reduce overcrowding in prisons and reclassify specific nonviolent crimes, like shoplifting, as misdemeanors if the value was below $950. While supporters believed the measure would better allocate state funds, critics argue it has led to an uptick in retail thefts.

In 2024, voters expressed dissatisfaction with the state’s earlier reforms, opting for Proposal 36, which reversed some aspects of Prop. 47. This new proposal reinstated the ability to file felony charges regardless of the $950 threshold and imposed harsher penalties for organized theft.

This change reflects a growing discontent with the previous criminal justice approach championed by former district attorney George Gascon, who often advocated for giving offenders multiple chances.

William Jacobson, a law professor at Cornell University, criticized California’s past leniency regarding theft, especially with the recent surge in looting related to anti-immigration protests. “Even in California, looting and violence have always been illegal,” Jacobson noted. He mentioned the previous decriminalization of certain thefts as part of a broader “culture of crime.”

L.A. Looting Incidents

In downtown Los Angeles, looters took advantage of the ongoing protests, targeting several stores early in the morning. The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed this surge in burglaries, with well-known retailers like Apple and Adidas among the affected.

One local business owner expressed his confusion and concern: “What did they do to my business? I don’t know. I have to go inside and see what’s going on.” Meanwhile, footage captured by observers shows groups rushing into stores to grab items as police arrived on the scene.

In some cases, it’s unclear if looters were motivated by the protests or simply taking advantage of the chaos. Mayor Karen Bass made a strong statement, saying, “Let me be clear: Anyone who destroys downtown or loots doesn’t care about the immigrant community. You’ll be responsible.”

In response to ongoing violence and theft, several businesses ramped up their security, with T-Mobile and CVS among those working to protect their properties after several nights of unrest.

Attorney General Pam Bondy underscored the seriousness of these crimes, stating, “If you plunder a business in California, you’re committing robbery under the Hobbs Act. This is no longer a time for leniency.” She also emphasized the administration’s commitment to cracking down on assaults against law enforcement officers.

The situation in Los Angeles remains fluid, with more arrests anticipated as officials prepare to address the ongoing turmoil.