California Launches $267 Million Program To Reduce Store Thefts

California will allocate $267 million to assist dozens of local law enforcement agencies in increasing patrols, acquiring surveillance equipment, and conducting other activities aimed at curbing smash-and-grab robberies occurring throughout the state, as reported by Tran Nguyen and Stefanie Dazio for the Associated Press (AP).

This decision follows a series of audacious luxury store robberies in recent months, where groups of individuals enter a store and engage in mass theft.

Officials from the California Highway Patrol, as well as law enforcement agencies in San Francisco and Los Angeles, made the announcement on Friday.

This decision follows a series of audacious luxury store robberies in recent months, where groups of individuals enter a store and engage in mass theft. Videos of these incidents have rapidly circulated online and fueled criticism from those who argue that California's approach to crime is too lenient.

"Enough with these brazen smash-and-grabs — we're ensuring that law enforcement agencies have the resources they need to apprehend these criminals," said Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom regarding the grants.

The funding is derived from a pool of money that Newsom initially requested in late 2021 after signing a law to reestablish a statewide task force dedicated to investigating organized theft rings.

The money will be distributed through grants to 55 agencies, including local police departments, sheriff's offices, and district attorney's offices.

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