The City of Sacramento’s legal department threatened to fine a popular retail store for public nuisance over multiple police calls due to thefts at its Land Park location, as reported by The Sacramento Bee. The Target store at 2505 Riverside Blvd. was warned of a potential administrative fine, prompting state lawmakers to amend a retail theft bill to outlaw such threats from authorities. Gov. Gavin Newsom, Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, and state Sen. Mike McGuire are leading a package of 14 bills to tighten penalties on retail theft offenses. Critics argue that these measures could impact Proposition 47, a voter-approved initiative that has been blamed for California’s theft problems. California Assembly GOP Leader James Gallagher criticized Newsom’s policies, while criminal defense attorney Nicole Castronovo highlighted the impact on retailers and job loss. The California Police Chiefs Association president, Alexander Gammelgard, expressed surprise at the city’s actions, while Sacramento City Attorney Susana Alcala Wood did not respond to inquiries. The situation in Sacramento has raised concerns among experts, with calls for a more responsive approach to crime control demands from the public. The local community and city officials have reportedly collaborated on a safety plan to address the issues at the Target store. The chief-of-staff, Dennis Rodgers, received the note from Jennings.
Following the collaboration, the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design initiative was developed to address issues outlined in the reports.
The plan involved implementing security measures like alarms, cameras, and security personnel, as well as enhancing light fixtures, landscaping, wayfinding, and space activation measures, as per internal communications.
City officials, during meetings, expressed their concerns to Target, which acknowledged its issues, as confirmed by Jennings.
While the concerns raised remain ambiguous.
Fox News Digital attempted to obtain statements from both Target and the City of Sacramento but has not received a response yet.
According to reports, data from the police department indicates an uptick in theft, robbery, and shoplifting at the city’s three Target stores in 2023.
In 2023, Sacramento’s Target stores had 375 calls for theft, robbery, and shoplifting, in contrast to the 80 incidents reported by Sacramento police for such crimes in the same year.
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