Retailers from throughout the Southland met with Los Angeles City and County law enforcement and attorneys on March 4 to discuss how to address issues connected to the implementation of Proposition 47.
CGA organized the meeting at the request of members expressing concern about a noticeable upturn in theft, particularly organized retail crime, since the passage of Proposition 47 last November.
The proposition reduces the classification of most “nonserious and nonviolent property and drug crimes” from a felony to a misdemeanor.
The two-hour meeting focused on building stronger relationships between law enforcement and grocery retailers. Fifteen grocery companies, along with three CGA staffers, representing a cross-section of large and small retailers attended.
“The meeting allowed both retailers and law enforcement to share their concerns with Prop. 47,” said Dave Heylen, CGA. “Both sides are frustrated with the unintended consequences of the initiative.”
Both law enforcement and grocers emphasized the need for greater collaboration.