Examining retail crime rates in California. Will Proposition 36 actually help?

Retail crime in California has been on the rise, with incidents reaching a two-decade high in 2023. Proposition 36, a ballot measure, aims to increase penalties for certain drug and theft crimes. While some data suggests an increase in retail crime, trends vary by county. Supporters of Proposition 36 argue that it is needed to address the unintended consequences of previous measures. Critics point to a decrease in theft clearance rates as a key factor in the rise of retail crime. The debate continues on whether Proposition 36 will effectively address the issue. Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed bills targeting organized retail theft and property crimes, indicating a broader effort to address the issue.