Monday, November 4, 2024 4:05PMBay Area business owners say retail theft is"out of control" and advocate for Prop 36 as a way to curb crime, but opponents say it's misleading and will lead to mass incarceration.Widespread shoplifting in the Bay Area is happening so boldly and so often that small business owners say they are furious and fed up.
"It's out of control," said Michelle Leopold, part-owner of six Ace Hardware stores across the Bay Area."At our six stores, we've seen so much blatant shoplifting where people will do it because there are no consequences," said Leopold. "I think I have video of a customer who walked out with two Yeti coolers--most of that shoplifting is right under that $949-dollar limit.
Leopold says she believes Prop 36 will reform Prop 47 by increasing penalties for repeat shoplifting and fentanyl dealing.