LA Post: Sacramento's bizarre threat: Target store faces fines for reporting thefts

Sacramento, CA, saw city officials threaten to fine a Target store for frequently calling 911 due to a surge in thefts. Throughout the past year, the Target store in Land Park, Sacramento, has been repeatedly hit by theft.

According to a source who spoke to the Sacramento Bee, the city attorney's office drafted a letter threatening an administrative fine if Target didn't stop calling 911. The letter, which was never sent, would have essentially discouraged store staff from reporting in-store crime. A police spokesperson confirmed to the newspaper that the warning concerned the Land Park Target location.

The incident has drawn criticism from other California officials. At a select committee meeting last year, California Police Chief Alexander Gammelgard expressed surprise that anyone would try to make a nuisance case out of reporting legitimate crime.

In response, state lawmakers, including Governor Gavin Newsom, added an amendment to a retail theft bill. The amendment prohibits authorities from making such threats to businesses that report crimes.

Newsom himself witnessed a shoplifter leaving a Sacramento Target store with stolen items earlier this year. Instead of modifying Proposition 47, officials believe this new rule will address the issue with 14 new laws to crack down on shoplifters. They're attempting to balance keeping criminals in check without being overly punitive.

This Target incident demonstrates the complexity of stores, police, and politicians handling petty thieves. While the debate continues, California officials are currently implementing new legislation aimed at curbing shoplifting while avoiding overly punitive measures.

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