SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Californians Against Retail and Residential Theft (CARRT) issued the following statement after the voters overwhelmingly passed Proposition 36.
"Californians are increasingly frustrated by the rising crime rates, which is why Proposition 36 passed with overwhelming support," said Matt Ross, spokesperson for CARRT.
“Proposition 36 establishes stricter penalties and greater accountability for repeat offenders of retail theft. Previously, the punishment for a shoplifter was the same regardless of whether it was a person's first offense or their fiftieth. Now, repeat offenders will face significant consequences for their actions.
“CARRT would also like to extend our gratitude to the Proposition 36 campaign and everyone who worked tirelessly to equip law enforcement with more resources to combat crime.
"However, this is just one step towards reversing the damage caused by Proposition 47 and addressing retail and residential theft on Main Street and in our neighborhoods.
"CARRT will closely monitor the implementation of Proposition 36 to ensure that both store employees and customers are safer, and that resources are available for law enforcement and rehabilitation efforts."
CARRT is a diverse coalition comprising over 300 business associations, local groups, and victim organizations. Their main goal is to equip law enforcement with the necessary tools to reduce theft and to hold criminals accountable. Notable members of the coalition include local Chambers of Commerce, the California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce, the California Business Roundtable, the California Black Chamber of Commerce, the California Grocers Association, the California Peace Officers Association, Crime Victims United, the Klaas Kids Foundation, and the National Federation of Independent Business.
For further information about CARRT, please visit their website at www.carrt.org.
