SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Californians Against Retail and Residential Theft (CARRT) joined the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce and others in a retail theft forum.
Dozens of local Hispanic Chambers and local government representatives joined the two organizations. The forum participants discussed the impact of retail theft on California's economy.
"Retail theft continues to be an issue," said Matt Ross, spokesman for CARRT. "It is especially troublesome for small and ethnic businesses."
Recent crime reports show that three of California's four largest cities are reporting significant increases in property crime, which includes retail theft. In 2022, the Los Angeles Police Department reported that property crimes were up more than ten percent over the previous year. San Jose is reporting similar numbers. San Francisco Police Department reported property crimes were up nearly six percent. San Diego has yet to report its 2022 figures.
"Many of our small businesses serve as the backbone for the local communities," said Julian Canete, President and CEO of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce. "Retail theft losses may be the straw that breaks the camel's back. Something must be done before mom-and-pop stores are stolen from our communities."
A recent PPIC poll found nearly three in every four Californians believe retail theft is an issue that needs to be addressed.
California law currently states stealing merchandise worth $950 or less is just a misdemeanor, leading to those caught being ticketed and released. With little or no consequences for actions, there is fear that fewer crimes will be reported. Last session, several bills were introduced on the issue, but nothing significant was passed and signed into law.
"It's time to put an end to retail and residential theft on Main Street and in our neighborhoods," said Matt Ross, spokesperson for CARRT.
CARRT is a broad-based coalition of more than 100 business associations, local groups, and victim organizations advocating for California officials to act now and give law enforcement the tools needed to reduce theft. The coalition includes local Chambers of Commerce, California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce, California Business Roundtable, California Black Chamber of Commerce, California Grocers Association, Crime Victims United, Klass Kids Foundation, and National Federation of Independent Business.
CARRT has been meeting with local officials, law enforcement, and legislators to ensure that elected officials understand the true impact of retail and residential crime. CARRT aims to provide public safety officials with more tools to address this problem. For more information about CARRT, please go to the website at www.carrt.org.
The California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce is the leading regional Hispanic and ethnic business organization in the Nation. The Chamber and its network of over 100 chambers and associations represent the interest of California's 815,000 Hispanic-owned businesses.
Through its advocacy, education, and empowerment programs, the CHCC brings California's small business community's issues and needs to the forefront of the California and National economic agendas. For more information about the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, please visit the website at www.cahcc.com.
