Newsom Signs Bills Amid Surge in Retail Theft

A series of smash-and-grab robberies targeted multiple 7-Eleven stores in Hollywood, with thieves fleeing on bicycles. This surge in retail theft coincides with California Governor Gavin Newsom signing a package of 10 bipartisan bills aimed at cracking down on organized retail theft and property crimes. The new laws, which include harsher penalties for repeat offenders and measures to ease prosecution of theft, are seen as a significant step to address the escalating crisis. Newsom emphasized the necessity of these laws for public safety while noting they avoid reverting to previous, more punitive policies. The legislation also requires online marketplaces to collect bank and tax information from high-volume sellers to curb the resale of stolen goods. Despite the legislative efforts, no arrests have been made in the recent 7-Eleven robberies.