The landscape of organized retail crime in Los Angeles County has been marked by a surge of cases and a crackdown that has seen more than 1,500 charges filed since 2019, according to a recent announcement by District Attorney George Gascón. In a press release by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, it was detailed that an aggressive campaign against these high-scale thefts has led to nearly 500 charges in 2024 alone, showcasing an 89% conviction rate, a striking rise from the 64% conviction rate of 2019.
As DA Gascón puts it, the financial vitality of our communities, and the safety of citizens, are under threat but through the concerted efforts of his office’s Organized Crime Division those threats are being met with full force, the resources of the justice system being marshaled. "Prosecutors and law enforcement are working harder than ever to combat organized retail theft as this serious crime continues to threaten the economic vitality of our communities and the safety of our residents," stated Gascón. Such efforts are not waning, with Gascón affirming, "We will continue to vigorously prosecute those who participate in these criminal activities, using every tool at our disposal to bring them to justice."
Notable convictions include the sentencings of Andrew Munns and Desmond Singleton for robberies of Bevmo stores, and Terrence Perryman and Kolby Williams who targeted a Chanel boutique at Saks Fifth Avenue. These are among the myriad examples illustrating the DA's commitment to addressing this burgeoning problem that has seen a pantheon of retailers, including Nordstrom, CVS, and Macy's, being targeted by organized crime. Furthermore, DA Gascón's office has had a hand in legislative efforts to reinforce the legal framework around retail theft, with Governor Gavin Newsom’s signing of Assembly Bill 1802, removing the sunset date on California’s Organized Retail Theft statute, ensuring its continued application.
Among the recent legislative successes featured in the DA's office statement are bills to establish a regional property crimes task force (AB 1972), strengthen penalties for theft from vehicles (SB 905), combat organized theft (SB 982), and regulate online marketplaces (SB 1144), these pieces of legislation together fortify the state's crime prevention grid and bolster security for businesses and the public. The DA's office beckons the community at large to contribute to their efforts, offering details to contact law enforcement task forces for reporting related criminal activities, while ensuring anonymity for informants through LA Crime Stoppers. With initiatives leading to a flurry of charges filings, and a raft of new legislative tools, the DA’s office conveys its staunch message: organized retail theft in Los Angeles County will meet the full force of the law.
