florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday accused California, New York and “many left-leaning jurisdictions” of “enacting policies that ignore or even encourage retail theft,” while reporting in Sunshine announced a new bill in Florida that would further crack down on retail theft and copyright infringement on balconies. state.
“These policies are ineffective once they arrive in Florida, and we will catch and prosecute the criminals,” DeSantis wrote on X after a news conference he hosted at a Walgreens in Stuart, Fla., where he introduced the bill, known as HB549. signed. Penalties for retail theft, piracy on balconies, and inciting looting through social media.
“If you look at places like California, they passed Proposition 47, which allows people who commit retail theft to be charged with a misdemeanor, even though it’s traditionally a felony. They’re committing numerous retail theft crimes. Are they being held accountable?’ No, they’re going to get a slap on the wrist,” DeSantis said. “If you look at New York, cash bail has been abolished for many crimes, including retail theft, and now you can only get a felony theft charge if you steal $1,000 worth of merchandise; anything less than that will result in a court appearance. “Because of that ticket, people ransacked stores and took $999 worth of loot, and they left knowing they wouldn’t be held accountable.”
According to the governor, there will be $112 billion in retail theft in the United States in 2022 alone, including $4 billion in New York that year.
DeSantis added that shoplifting is up 63% in New York City, 81% in Los Angeles and 24% in San Francisco.
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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signs HB 549. He will increase penalties for retail theft, piracy on balconies, and inciting looting through social media. (Florida Governor’s Office)
“As a consumer, you’re affected because the prices go up to reflect the stolen goods. It’s just basic business,” DeSantis said. “It also has a demoralizing effect on people. When you go inside to buy toothpaste, it’s like Fort Knox, because all the basic items are locked up. You can’t tell the store clerk to come in. You have to open it.” This is just for making basic purchases. That’s not good for quality of life. And of course, if people can come in and steal retail and leave, that creates a contempt for the rule of law that has ripple effects in areas far beyond retail theft. ”
In contrast, shoplifting in Florida has decreased by 30% since Mr. DeSantis first took office, he said.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced new legislation to crack down on retail theft and porch piracy. (Florida Governor’s Office)
“88% of retailers nationwide report that shoplifters are more aggressive and violent today compared to 49% just a few years ago; Why? Because these people come into the store and they think it’s attacking them.” They can’t get what they want.” , they have a sense of entitlement that they won’t be held accountable,” DeSantis explained. “And I think the actions reflect that, including Target closing nine stores in Portland and Seattle, Walmart closing its Chicago store, Nordstrom closing its San Francisco store, Stores are closed in many areas as a direct result of the lack of rule of law and the lack of accountability for criminals.”
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The new law makes retail theft by five or more offenders a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison.
It would also enforce a second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison if five or more offenders commit theft at a retail store and use social media to solicit others to participate in the theft. If he has two or more convictions for retail theft with a firearm or retail theft, it becomes a first-degree felony, punishable by up to 30 years in prison.
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody spoke at a Walgreens press conference to announce new legislation to crack down on retail theft. (Florida Governor’s Office)
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The law also allows for felonies for multiple retail thefts that occur within 120 days, which is extended from 30 days. HB 549 also increases penalties for pouch copyright infringement. Theft of property under $40 is a first-degree misdemeanor. Subsequent violations become third-degree felonies, and theft of property valued at $40 or more becomes a third-degree felony.
