Tag Archive for: retail theft

DA Stephan Testifies Before U.S. House Committee on Crime, Updates Congress on National Threat of Organized Retail Crime

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan testified before Congress today for the second time this year, addressing the Subcommittee on Crime and Federal Government Surveillance within the House Judiciary Committee. During her remarks, the DA provided a snapshot of how organized retail crime has evolved in the last few years, including an update on progress being made in San Diego County under Proposition 36.

“Organized retail crime is not a victimless offense,” Stephan told lawmakers. “It harms workers, consumers, small businesses, and entire communities. It undermines public safety and erodes confidence in the rule of law.”

Watch DA Stephan’s testimony here.

DA Stephan urged Congressional action to combat the growing threat of organized retail crime (ORC) and transnational theft networks that are harming communities and businesses across the nation with commercial and residential thefts and burglaries. DA Stephan was called to testify for her expertise in combatting these types of crimes in San Diego County.

Stephan cited national data estimating that U.S. retailers lost $45 billion to theft in 2024, with losses projected to exceed $53 billion by 2027. She emphasized that organized theft contributes to store closures, job losses, higher consumer prices, and increased violence against retail employees.

In San Diego County alone, the DA’s Office has filed organized retail theft cases against 336 defendants over a three-year period, resulting in more than $3.2 million in documented losses and significant prison and jail sentences for convicted offenders.

Stephan’s testimony highlighted numerous cases involving coordinated “flash mob” thefts, multi-state retail burglary rings, and transnational criminal organizations — including South American Theft Groups (SATGs) — responsible for high-end residential burglaries and large-scale commercial thefts with stolen goods shipped overseas.

Stephan pointed to California’s recent legal reforms, including voter-approved Proposition 36, which strengthened penalties for habitual theft and expanded prosecutors’ ability to aggregate thefts across locations and time periods. These changes have allowed law enforcement to better target organized criminal networks rather than treating theft as isolated incidents.

“Our experience in California shows that strong, clear laws combined with collaboration work,” Stephan said. “Prop 36 has made a real difference to local businesses and prosecuting these habitual offenders is making stores and the community safer. By emphasizing accountability alongside treatment and rehabilitation, data also shows that Prop 36 is working to address the core drivers of habitual criminal behavior. This kind of reform can serve as a model for the nation.”

District Attorney Stephan voiced strong support for the bipartisan Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, which would expand federal enforcement tools and create a national Organized Retail Crime Coordination Center. She emphasized that organized theft rings routinely cross city, county, state, and international borders — making federal coordination essential.

She also highlighted the need for improved data-sharing, stronger public-private partnerships, and public awareness campaigns to reduce the resale of stolen goods online and in informal markets.

In addition to retail theft, Stephan addressed fraud-based crimes such as gift card scams and elder fraud, noting that San Diego County alone recorded $149 million in elder scam losses in one year. She stressed that integrated national data systems could expose connections between organized theft and fraud networks operating simultaneously.

“Restoring the rule of law means accountability that fits the crime,” Stephan said. “We must distinguish between minor offenses and sophisticated criminal enterprises that prey on consumers and businesses alike.”

District Attorney Stephan reaffirmed her office’s commitment to working with Congress, law enforcement, retailers, and community partners to combat organized crime.

“We stand ready to assist in strengthening laws and resources to protect our communities, our businesses, and our consumers,” she said. “Together, we can meet this challenge and ensure justice is served.”

Also testifying at today’s hearing were Scott McBride, Chief Global Asset Protection Officer & Chief Security Officer, American Eagle Inc.; Chris Spear, President and CEO, American Trucking Association; and Shane Bennett, Principal of Cyber Defense for Theft, Fraud & Abuse, Target.

DA, Downtown Partnership Join Forces to Deter Retail Theft, Support Businesses

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan joined forces with the Downtown San Diego Partnership and the San Diego Police Department today to educate businesses that the new laws under Proposition 36 passed by the People are providing accountability alongside treatment, and to encourage reporting of crimes to law enforcement.

To support the effective implementation of the new laws, businesses are being informed that free window signage courtesy of the San Diego Organized Retail Crime Alliance and the DA is available that warns those who would commit retail theft that they will be prosecuted, especially repeat offenders who chronically target businesses and threaten public safety. One year after Proposition 36 went into effect, DA Stephan also provided an update on prosecutions under the new law.

“Prop 36 has made a real difference to local businesses and prosecuting these habitual offenders is making stores and the community safer—across the county and in Downtown San Diego,” DA Stephan said. “Since the new law went into effect, business owners have been able to call police to stop repeat thieves from terrorizing their employees and customers. By emphasizing accountability alongside treatment and rehabilitation, data also shows that Prop 36 is working to address the core drivers of habitual criminal behavior.”

Data released last month shows that as of November 11, 2025, 2,721 cases have been charged with one of the two key portions of Prop 36: repeat theft offenders charged under Penal Code section 666.1 and repeat hard drug offenders charged under Health and Safety Code section 11395. About 65 percent of the cases fall under drug charges, while about 35 percent pertain to retail theft.

In about 98 percent of those cases, the court has placed defendants on a treatment track to address their addiction or other underlying causes of crime.

DA Stephan was joined at a news conference today by San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, San Diego Police Captain Ryan Hallahan and Alonso Vivas, the Downtown San Diego Partnership’s Senior Vice President and Executive Director of its Clean and Safe program, to provide an update on Prop 36 prosecutions, explain how police are responding to calls for service when thefts occur, and highlight the support the Downtown Partnership provides to businesses in the City’s urban core.

Over the past 12 months, local small and large businesses have expressed relief over the implementation of the repeat theft offender provisions of Prop 36, with some reporting that stricter penalties are deterring theft and providing a sense of security for businesses previously targeted by recurring offenders.

“For the first time in years, Downtown businesses, residents, and visitors feel like the system is working with them instead of against them,” Vivas said. “Since Prop 36 took effect, we’re hearing from shops that they are finally seeing real relief from retail theft and fewer repeat offenders walking back through their doors.”

San Diego Police Department statistics for 2025 show there’s been a 23 percent decrease in the downtown San Diego area for theft, robbery, burglary/breaking and entering, larceny, and other property crimes. In 2024, there were 3,515 such crimes and this year there have been 2,708.

“SDPD’s efforts in downtown are about protecting our community from criminal behavior that threatens safety, commerce, and quality of life,” said SDPD Captain Ryan Hallahan. “Prop 36 provides us with the ability to enforce specific narcotic and theft violations as a felony, hold people accountable for criminal acts, and provide treatment for those battling addiction. It’s encouraging to see the statistics showing positive results for our downtown businesses, and our teams will continue working to keep it that way.”

 

“Proposition 36 is delivering results for San Diego,” Mayor Gloria said. “Downtown is seeing fewer property crimes, and we’re bringing accountability back for repeat offenders while still offering treatment and services for those struggling with addiction. Retail theft hurts everyone – small business owners, workers, and customers. I urge San Diegans to report these crimes when they happen. Every report helps us hold offenders accountable and keep our city safe for all of us.”

 

“A year after voters resoundingly approved Prop 36, we’re seeing its promise delivered,” said San Diego City Councilmember Stephen Whitburn, who represents downtown. “District Attorney Stephan and our law enforcement officers are holding repeat offenders accountable, and that’s critical for protecting downtown residents and businesses. This coordinated effort is renewing confidence for my constituents who live and work downtown.”

At today’s news conference, businesses were reminded that they can take proactive steps to maximize the impact of Prop 36, including:

  • Reporting crimes and educating employees on aspects of the new laws.
  • Investing in surveillance to better document crimes and training employees on how to document evidence and losses suffered.
  • Engaging with law enforcement to collaborate and stay informed about solutions available under the new law.

Business owners and the public should report theft, share information, and support efforts to hold offenders accountable to promote public safety and maintain a thriving community.

In addition, businesses were reminded today that free window cling stickers are available that warn would-be thieves they will be prosecuted. To request a free window cling theft warning, businesses can email SanDiegoDA@sdcda.org

Recognizing an increase in organized retail theft, several years ago the DA’s Office formed a specialized team of prosecutors and investigators to fight this crime. The team works with local businesses and law enforcement to build sound evidence, which ultimately leads to stronger cases. In addition to engaging the Downtown San Diego Partnership and Chambers of Commerce across the county, the DA’s Office also participates in the San Diego Organized Retail Crime Alliance, (SDORCA) bridging the gap between public and private investigations of organized retail theft in both large and small businesses in the county.

Proposition 36, which passed with 68 percent of the vote in 2024, took effect in December of last year. The DA’s Office has been committed to successfully implementing the transformational proposition in partnership with the Sheriff, the county’s police chiefs, the court and the community. The measure:

  • Provides stricter consequences for repeat theft offenders, those who are committing smash and grab retail crimes, and organized theft rings, to help stop the cycle of recidivism.
  • Requires convicted dealers of fentanyl and hard drugs to receive a warning that the next time they sell illegal drugs, and someone dies, they will be held responsible for a victim’s death. The law provides additional consequences for illegal drug dealers who cause great bodily injury or death, who carry firearms while dealing narcotics, or are involved in the distribution of unusually large quantities of narcotics.
  • Incentivizes lifesaving treatment for defendants suffering from addiction by creating the new Treatment Mandated Felony that offers treatment as an alternative to incarceration for those who illegally possess hard drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine, addressing the root cause of many crimes.

More information about the implementation of Prop 36 can be found on the DA’s website here.

 

DA Summer Stephan Senate Testimony on Organized Retail Crime. July 15, 2025, Washington, D.C.

DA Stephan Testifies Before U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee

San Diego County District Attorney and President of the National District Attorneys Association (NDAA) Summer Stephan testified today before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, urging swift Congressional action to combat the growing threat of organized retail crime (ORC) and transnational theft networks that are harming communities and businesses across the nation with commercial and residential thefts and burglaries. DA Stephan was called to testify as the voice for America’s prosecutors in her role as President/Chair of the National District Attorneys Association and for her expertise in combatting these organized crimes in San Diego County.

Watch a recording of the hearing here.

In her testimony, DA Stephan outlined the evolution of organized theft from isolated incidents into sophisticated, multi-state and international criminal enterprises responsible for billions in losses and threats to public safety. Drawing from her office’s successful prosecutions in San Diego County, Stephan emphasized that these crimes are far from victimless and require a coordinated, national response. DA Stephan brought the experience of the many victims such as employees of small and large businesses, and homeowners victimized by these sophisticated and at times violent criminal rings.

“Organized retail crime is not only eroding business and job stability but is also threatening the safety and well-being of our communities,” said DA Stephan. “From high-end smash-and-grabs to international burglary rings, we’re seeing an increase in violence and criminal sophistication that demands strong legislative and enforcement action.”

Stephan detailed her office’s proactive strategies in San Diego, including forming specialized teams to prosecute ORC, collaborating with the California Highway Patrol, and establishing partnerships through the Organized Retail Crime Alliance. Stephan emphasized the success of recent legislation in California which allows prosecutors to aggregate thefts and pursue more serious charges. At the national level, the NDAA has joined with the Retail Industry Leaders Association to launch initiatives like store walks and the Vibrant Communities Initiative, aimed at improving coordination and safety in retail environments. The DA also partnered with the U.S. Chamber and National Retail Federation to educate about effective prevention and prosecution.

Stephan called on Congress to pass the Combatting Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025 (CORCA), which would establish a federal Organized Retail Crime Coordination Center to enhance national collaboration among prosecutors, law enforcement, and private sector stakeholders. She also called for enforcement of the INFORM Act that requires identification of third-party sellers to expose stolen properly online. Finally, DA Stephan stressed the importance of balanced prosecution strategies that differentiate between a young person who makes a mistake from a habitual criminal who preys on small businesses and neighborhoods. She advocated for the coordination center to link the dots to combat the organized crime and transnational criminal organizations that harm our nation.

In San Diego, the DA’s Office has prosecuted over 218 ORC defendants over the past two years, in partnership with law enforcement and retailers, involving theft losses of more than $2.6 million. Cases include multi-defendant smash-and-grab operations, repeat theft rings targeting national retailers, and transnational criminal networks responsible for multi-state burglaries and multi-million-dollar jewelry heists.

“Our experience shows that smart laws, real consequences, and close collaboration across jurisdictions work,” Stephan stated. “Now we need Congress to scale these efforts nationally so that no community is left vulnerable.”

Stephan also stressed the need for public-private partnerships to extend beyond enforcement and into prevention and education. She called for a national public awareness campaign to inform consumers about the impact of buying stolen goods, particularly through online marketplaces and informal venues like swap meets.

DA Stephan argued that just as robust laws and strategic prosecution are essential, so too is the active participation of consumers and community members in curbing organized retail theft. By combining legal tools, law enforcement coordination, and informed public engagement, Stephan concluded, communities can reclaim safety and economic vitality from the grip of organized crime.

Text that says "5 Things the DA's Office Accomplished in 2023" with the background of a gavel, scales of justice and a few books on a table.

5 THINGS The DA’s Office Accomplished in 2023

We are more than halfway through the year and District Attorney Summer Stephan wanted to take this opportunity to let you know about some of the work we are doing at the DA’s Office. Here are 5 things the DA’s Office accomplished last year in 2023:

1- Working together, we were able to reduce the numbers of fentanyl overdoses by over 7% especially with youth.

2- We updated our unique school threats protocol with all 42 school districts that is laser focused on preventing school shootings.

3- We grew and supported a first-of-its-kind Elder Justice Task Force that is working around the clock to protect seniors from fraud that destroys their hard-earned retirement.

4- We fought retail theft through our specialized team and brought down multiple organized retail crime rings to protect small and large businesses.

5- We served over 5,000 vulnerable victims at One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center, removing them from a sure path to homelessness and despair. We continue to work to obtain justice for victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, hate crimes, organized retail theft, fentanyl poisoning, environmental and consumer fraud, elder abuse, sex crimes, child abuse and many more.

You can read our detailed Annual Report for 2023 by going to SanDiegoDAannualReport.com or visit SanDiegoDA.com and click on 2023 Annual Report.

Signatures for Ballot Initiative Announced

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said today that Californians for Safer Communities is submitting over 900,000 voter signatures to qualify the Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act (Initiative 23-0017A1) to qualify for the November General Election ballot. To qualify the measure for the November 2024 ballot, the law requires 546,651valid signatures.

Today, DA Stephan joined small business owners, as well as diverse community organizations and associations to thank them for their efforts in gathering signatures and marking this milestone of submitting signatures to qualify this initiative for the November ballot.

In February, Stephan was joined by the mayors of 15 cities across San Diego County as well as business leaders, crime victims, parents of children poisoned by fentanyl dealers, and other concerned citizens in an effort to inform the public and boost signature gathering for the initiative. The measure would make communities, businesses, and streets safer and healthier by restoring the rule of law, holding repeat retail thieves and fentanyl dealers better accountable, and incentivizing individuals who are addicted and homeless to accept life-saving treatment.

The mayors of Carlsbad, Vista, San Marcos, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Escondido, Coronado, Chula Vista, National City, Oceanside, Poway, El Cajon, La Mesa, and Santee all supported the signature gathering effort.

“This is a balanced, commonsense initiative that addresses the fentanyl crisis by going after drug dealers who are killing our loved ones and imposes stronger penalties for repeat offenders of organized retail theft, which is hurting far too many families and local businesses,” said DA Stephan. “We need responsible reform that allows judges to incentivize life-saving treatment for those struggling with severe addiction, holds repeat offenders accountable but also gives first, second, and even third chances for those who commit theft or possess hard drugs to be treated for addiction or mental illness. Voters should have the opportunity to debate and weigh in on this important initiative.”

The bipartisan measure is focused on improving safety in every community and neighborhood in California. It focuses narrowly on accountability measures for repeat offenders of theft and drug traffickers of serious drugs like fentanyl, while incentivizing and encouraging more individuals to participate in and complete drug treatment programs. The measure creates a deterrent for repeat offenders and redirects addicts towards treatment rather than incarceration.

Passed in 2014, Prop 47 had a goal of reclassifying several felony offenses as misdemeanors in order to make California’s criminal justice system more equitable. However, it led to unintended consequences of increased homelessness driven by addiction and increased overdose deaths. It also harmed small and large businesses and their employees over the past decade through repeat and often organized retail theft, store closings, and difficulty convincing people to seek drug and mental health treatment. These issues can be corrected by the voters at the ballot box with commonsense changes to Prop 47.

The proposed ballot measure will:

  • Hold those who are committing repeated retail theft and fentanyl sales crimes accountable, for the safety and health of our communities.
  • Create accountability for repeat smash and grab offenders who are driving up costs for all Californians and chasing retailers out of the state.
  • Bring back incentives and accountability that are needed for individuals to get into necessary drug treatment and job training programs — helping them begin new lives. Currently those arrested multiple times for hard drug possession currently have no incentive to choose treatment with no consequences.

For more information, go to www.CASafeCommunities.com.

DA, 14 Mayors Work to Place Public Safety Initiative on the Ballot

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan was joined today by the mayors from cities across San Diego County as well as business leaders, crime victims and other concerned citizens in an effort to inform the public and boost signature gathering to place the Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act on the November ballot. The measure would make communities, businesses, and streets safer and healthier by restoring the rule of law, holding repeat retail thieves and fentanyl dealers better accountable, and incentivizing individuals who are addicted and homeless to accept life-saving treatment.

The following mayors are all supporting the signature gathering effort: Vista Mayor John Franklin, Escondido Mayor Dane White, El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells, National City Mayor Ron Morrison, Chula Vista Mayor John McCann, San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones, La Mesa Mayor Mark Arapostathis, Santee Mayor John Minto, Oceanside Mayor Esther Sanchez, Coronado Mayor Richard Bailey, Carlsbad Mayor Keith Blackburn, Solana Beach Mayor Lesa Heebner, Encinitas Mayor Tony Kranz, and Poway Mayor Steve Vaus.

[WATCH LIVE STREAM OF NEWS CONFERENCE HERE]

“This is a balanced, commonsense initiative that addresses the fentanyl crisis by going after drug dealers who are killing our loved ones and imposes stronger penalties for repeat offenders of organized retail theft, which is hurting far too many families and local businesses,” said DA Stephan. “We need responsible reform that allows judges to incentivize life-saving treatment for those struggling with severe addiction, holds repeat offenders accountable but also gives first, second, and even third chances for those who commit theft or possess hard drugs to be treated for addiction or mental illness. Voters should have the opportunity to debate and weigh in on this important initiative.”

The measure has collected more than 360,000 signatures from California voters to place it on the November ballot, but nearly 550,000 valid signatures are needed.

The ballot measure is designed to fix the unintended consequences and harmful impacts of Proposition 47, which passed in 2014 and— for example— made retail theft under $950 and drug possession of methamphetamine and fentanyl into misdemeanors no matter how many times the crime is repeated.

“Neighborhood markets are the lifeblood of our communities,” said Neighborhood Market Association President Arkan Somo. “Proposition 47 unleashed a tidal wave of theft and violence that harms our small business owners, their employees and families, and most importantly, our customers. This proposed ballot measure will give law enforcement the tools it needs to keep all of us safe. “

Unintended Consequences of Prop 47 and current laws include:

  • Homelessness increased 51% in California while decreasing 11% in states with more balanced laws.
  • Homeless individuals in San Diego County are dying of drug overdoses at a rate 118 times higher than the general public.
  • Overdose deaths from illicit fentanyl have more than tripled, claiming more young lives in San Diego County than any other cause.
  • Organized retail theft has exploded, resulting in massive economic losses, losses of jobs caused by store closures, and losses of essential goods for struggling neighborhoods.
  • Fentanyl dealers who cause overdose deaths generally receive minimal consequences under the law.
  • Drug Courts that offer effective treatment have lost their ability to incentivize those who commit crimes driven by addiction to engage in treatment.

A recent survey showed that more than 85% of voters across every political party and each demographic support reforming Proposition 47.

“This initiative is a balanced approach that gives our justice system the tools they need to protect our communities from criminals while also providing an opportunity for people suffering from addiction to get back on their feet,” said Coronado Mayor Richard Bailey. “Current policies have contributed to the rise in crime and homelessness throughout the state over the past decade, but this initiative will help reverse those trends and make California a safe place to live and do business once again.”

“As a retired San Diego Police Officer and Detective with 29 years of law enforcement experience, I possess a firsthand understanding of the adverse effects of Proposition 47 on the lives of Californians,” Santee Mayor John Minto said. “This initiative is a crucial step towards addressing the rising challenges of homelessness, drug addiction, and theft that plague our communities. Californians, including the residents of Santee, are demanding relief from the escalating lawlessness that has driven up the cost of goods statewide.”

Oceanside Mayor and retired public defender Esther Sanchez said, “The unintended consequences of Prop 47 took out the highly successful drug court program, leading to increased drug addiction and crime and in effect tying the hands of law enforcement protecting our neighborhoods and businesses. This citizens’ initiative gives back tools our communities need to help residents, many times family members, face their addictions and crimes while offering support and a path toward a life with positive options, such as family reunification, a home and jobs.”

The Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act would allow for stronger penalties for those engaged in the trafficking of hard drugs or for repeat offenders of retail theft. It will still give first and second chances for those who commit theft and possess hard drugs to be treated with a misdemeanor. However, on the third conviction, there’s a requirement that drug treatment be completed to earn a misdemeanor or be held accountable for a felony creating a new category of “Treatment Mandated Felony.” A fourth conviction results in a felony crime.

This initiative will also allow aggregation of multiple thefts to reach the $950 threshold to charge a felony theft so that those that are gaming the system can be stopped. The initiative addresses the fentanyl crisis by allowing harsher penalties fentanyl drug dealers whose actions lead to overdose deaths.

Signature gathering for the Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act will take place in the coming weeks across the county and the public is encouraged to seek out opportunities to sign the petition.

DA Stephan Testifies Before Congressional Committee About Strategies to Fight Organized Retail Crime

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan testified in Washington, D.C. today before the House Sub-Committee on Counterterrorism, Law Enforcement and Intelligence, providing her perspective on the increasing crime of organized retail theft. At a hearing titled, “From Festive Cheer to Retail Fear: Addressing Organized Retail Crime,” DA Stephan discussed the scope of the problem in the U.S., the solutions being pursued by law enforcement and success stories in holding retail thieves accountable. Stephan appeared in her capacity as both San Diego DA and President-Elect of the National District Attorneys Association.

WATCH the DA’s full testimony, here.

DA Stephan told committee members there are three key challenges facing prosecutors across the nation who are working to fight organized retail theft:

The evolution of more sophisticated criminal networks. Organized retail theft is no longer just the work of isolated petty criminals. Instead, it has evolved into highly sophisticated operations, often conducted by well-organized networks and coordinated across multiple locations.

An inadequate legal framework. Existing laws and penalties in many states are not sufficient to deter or appropriately punish those engaged in organized retail theft. Many states including California have passed laws that increased the dollar amount of theft that qualifies as a felony and eliminated enhanced consequences for recidivist and habitual offenders.

The need for better coordination. In the past, the lack of coordination and information-sharing among retailers, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders has hindered the ability to combat organized retail theft effectively. A continued collaborative and multi-faceted approach is necessary to address this issue comprehensively.

Stephan pointed to laws in several states that raised the threshold of the value of merchandise stolen from retail stores in order to qualify for felony charges.

“Law enforcement and our retailers agree that the increase in retail theft-related incidents has been the direct result of changing laws and penalties for shoplifting,” DA Stephan said. “The message that these deficient laws send is that this is the wild west with no rules or accountability.”

The San Diego County DA’s Office has made prosecuting and preventing organized retail crime a priority. DA Stephan formed a specialized team of prosecutors and investigators to combat organized retail theft and work with businesses to build stronger cases.

Stephan praised Congress for passing the INFORM Act, which became law this year and requires online marketplaces, such as Amazon and eBay, to collect, verify, and disclose certain information from high-volume sellers and provide consumers with means to report suspicious activity.

“This is a step in the right direction to stop organized criminals from selling stolen goods on online marketplaces,” said Stephan said. “It removes the anonymity of the seller and makes it easier for law enforcement to find online sellers of stolen goods and prosecute them.”

Stephan also urged the passage of H.R. 895, the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2023— which would expand federal enforcement of criminal offenses related to organized retail crime and establish an Organized Retail Crime Coordination Center within the Department of Homeland Security.

“The good news is that on both the national and statewide level, there is a commitment to stop organized retail crime. At least 34 states now have organized retail crime laws. It’s important that these laws include increased penalties for those involved in these criminal activities and provisions that enable law enforcement to better investigate and prosecute offenders,” DA Stephan said.

Stephan also relayed her experience to committee members of visiting stores targeted by retail thieves and talking to workers about the trauma and fear that they experience from these brazen crimes. In a recent study, retailers reported an increase in violence and aggression by the criminals committing these crimes. “This is not a victimless crime,” Stephan said.

DA Testifies Before Congressional Committee

This week, District Attorney Summer Stephan testified before the House Sub-Committee on Counterterrorism, Law Enforcement and Intelligence, where she discussed the scope of the problem in the U.S., the solutions being pursued by law enforcement. More details in the video below. You can watch the DA’s complete testimony, here.

DA Weekly News Update with DA Summer Stephan 11-09-23

In this week’s DA News, District Attorney Summer Stephan talks about the work our office is doing to prosecute and stop organized retail theft, including smash and grabs that have been affecting businesses across California and San Diego County.

DA Meets with Businesses in the County Aiming to Reduce Organized Retail Theft

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan today pledged a renewed focus on fighting organized retail theft in San Diego County and holding thieves accountable. The DA met with ULTA Beauty loss prevention management and toured their San Marcos location which was hit last year by a team of thieves running an organized retail theft ring across Southern California. The San Marcos store was one of 21 ULTA Beauty stores targeted by one of the defendants who stole $127,000 worth of fragrances in just one month.

During their last incident in 2022, the group encountered San Diego County Sheriff’s Deputies who were waiting in the ULTA Beauty parking lot and took up pursuit.  A bicyclist was hit by the defendants’ car as they tried to avoid arrest. Eight bags of fragrances were found in the car with defendants. The defendants ultimately received sentences up to four years in state prison.

“We’re holding organized retail theft crime rings accountable for the harm to retailers, their employees and customers who are often traumatized by these crimes,” said DA Stephan. “Meeting with managers at stores in the county strengthens relationships and lines of communication that can help us build strong criminal cases to reduce this type of theft. We are committed to stop organized criminal rings from stealing large amounts of goods from small and large businesses with the intent to resell them, particularly through unregulated online marketplaces.”

The DA’s visit to the store is one of several being made at retail businesses in the county.  The National District Attorney Association and the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) announced National Store Walk Month recently with the goal of local prosecutors and retailers coming together to strengthen relationships and open direct lines of communication. DA Stephan or Deputy District Attorneys from her office are also participating in store walks at Home Depot, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Target, Walmart, and Lowes stores.

In addition, DA Stephan toured Sunny Perfumes last week in San Ysidro, a small business that has also been targeted by retail thieves. The owner, Sunil Gakhreja, says he’s spent thousands of dollars repairing smashed windows and adding metal shutters for security and has had to move his more expensive items to the back of the store, making it more difficult for thieves to steal them. He also says that in addition to the loss of inventory to theft, criminals have threatened and even attacked his employees.

The DA also announced the assignment of specific prosecutors who will handle all organized retail theft cases that are submitted to the DA’s Office in various jurisdictions. They will be focusing on stopping the organized theft crews and identifying the habitual offenders to try to assist large and small businesses who are struggling with the explosion of retail theft. The prosecutors will coordinate with stores to focus on the most serious offenders.

In a one-year period, the DA filed criminal cases involving organized retail theft against 77 defendants. In February of this year, two men were sentenced for a series of brazen organized retail theft crimes where multiple Sunglass Hut store locations were targeted, resulting in a reported loss of $238,847. Hundreds of pairs of sunglasses were stolen from nine Sunglass Hut store locations, some of which were targeted more than once.  The defendants also targeted other high-end stores, stealing more than $4,000 in shoes from Nordstrom Rack, more than $7,000 in merchandise from Bloomingdales, and over $6,000 in jackets from Burberry. The defendants were both sentenced to 44 months in state prison.

The National Retail Federation (NRF) reported that external theft, which includes organized retail crime, is the primary driver of retail “shrink.” NRF’s National Retail Security Survey released earlier this year revealed that organized retail theft reached $94.5 billion in 2021, with retailers reporting an increase in violence and aggression associated with these crimes. The National Chamber of Commerce says 25 percent of small businesses report raising prices because of shoplifting and some retailers have been forced to shutter locations in response to rampant theft.