When I heard about that law that was passed in your State, I was actually astonished, baffled, bewildered, perplexed, shocked, stunned and surprised  how ANYONE could think that was a good idea.

If people are not held accountable for their actions, what is to deter them from repeating their lawless behavior?

I pray for our nation to realize the strength of our nation depends on decency, honesty and morality as a foundation and to practice those simple virtues and our government to discontinue emboldening those who choose otherwise.

If this continues unabated Richie Alan Naggar it won't be long before a can of soda or a candy bar will exceed the $1,000 limit.

As David M. Dwares pointed out, there are at least two factors in play here.

(1)  Corporate Policy (coupled with Liability Insurance for that corporation).

(2)  California Government.

    To the first, we see news stories where a brave store employee tackles a criminal, or points a gun and stops the criminal.  But instead of a commendation and a promotion, that employee gets fired. 

 Corporate logic (oxymoron?) says that the financial risk (liability) to other customers, and even to the heroic employee, is potentially much greater than the cost of the stolen items... so let the thief walk away with the stolen items.

 To the second factor: 

ARMS ("Hi, ARMS") edited a comment the other day that I made about Politics, so out of respect for ARMS, I will leave Politics out of my reply.   Let me just ask, "How much longer can the citizens of your State put up with the rampant crime?"   Entire shopping districts gone (San Francisco), countless retail stores and fast food places permanently shuttered. 

  In my residence State of Florida, or here at my seasonal home in South Carolina, the store staff would be assisted by customers in tackling the brazen shoplifter (and they would probably administer some pre-arrest Justice).

What ever happened to the days where "Don't do the crime, unless you can do the Time!" gone?

We need to start holding people accountable for their actions....

That's why crooks are so bold about it, they know there are no consequences.

Crooks know that there will be no consequences so they will continue to rob stores, people's homes, cars until we have some law and order put into place. 

I have heard identical stories.  One reason why things are so expensive.

Not sure how you made the leap from Corporate policy to government. Many companies, including banks, do not want their employees to risk injury or death over theft and also to avoid liablity should someone get injured during the attempt to apprehend the thief.

There are laws being changed in CA. now that the consequences of coddling crooks has been found to be a mistake.

Lack of consequences for bad behavior results in this kind of situation.

Only in California 😨.....elections have consequences lets hope these policies don't spread nation wide!!

If we allow bad behavior it will become the norm. Look what has happened to the 10 commandments. All of them are allowed now in one form or another as people just look the other way.

The Great Architect sees all, you'll pay in this life or the next!

Wow, that’s a🤬 "wild situation". It's really frustrating to see policies like that in place. It feels like we're rewarding bad behavior instead of holding people accountable. The idea that someone can just walk out with nearly $1,000 worth of goods and face no immediate consequences is mind-boggling. It makes you wonder what kind of message we're sending about responsibility and respect for others' property.

It also raises serious concerns about how such policies might impact businesses and communities in the long run. If theft is essentially decriminalized, where does it end? And what happens to the businesses trying to stay afloat, especially smaller ones that can’t absorb such losses?

It's like we're eroding the basic social contract where people are expected to follow the rules for the good of everyone. When those norms break down, it’s not just the stores that suffer—it’s the whole community. It’s a tough situation, and it feels like something’s got to give before things get worse. My store policy would be "If you’re going to steal, you’re going to feel, squarely up your ass, my steel toe and boot heel."

What do you think should be done to address this?

I have heard such stories and find it terrible.  I was raised to never, ever steal and here are government policies and corporations that are allowing it to happen.  Makes the rest of us who play by the rules look stupid.

I think lots of people don't pay for their auto parts.

I would be tempted to go in there and get some free stuff, but I don't think my conscience would allow me to actually go through with it, haha.

I think it's store policy and not government policy Richie Alan Naggar . I know or local Walmart goes after anyone stealing anything. I have a jail ministry and several inmates are there for stealing less than $1,000. 

Richie, Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate gave a well-reasoned explanation as to the corporate side of things.   However, you may wish to update your premise of the government's posture on this issue.

As John Juarez mentioned, the laws in California have changed, which renders that portion of your question moot.

Published on August 16, 2024:

"Governor Newsom signed into law the most significant bipartisan legislation to crack down on property crime in modern California history. Building on the state’s robust laws and record public safety funding, these bipartisan bills establish tough new penalties for repeat offenders, provide additional tools for felony prosecutions, and crack down on serial shoplifters, retail thieves, and auto burglars. "

You gotta be kidding me is my first reaction.  what ever works for them is my well thought out reaction.  Government passing laws, I don't really believe that portion

It is what it is. Some states are liberal and don't give a damn. Some states think otherwise. Don't think your vote counts, think again. The majority of the voters in your state think differently, move. 

Yes, I forget which law it was but they basically decriminalized crime and theft under $950.  There is a bill up for this year's ballot, I think it's AB38, that will reverse much of the soft on crime bill.

Newscum in sacramento signed a few bills recently to penalize repeat offenders to try to take the wind out of AB38's sails, but it's too little too late.

Sadly, I am of the opinion we, e.g. many,  have lost our way and our government tends to encourage it.

I cannot even wrap my mind around these policies.

When I was a kid, I pulled the neighbors flowers and my mom marched me over there, made me return the flowers, and apologize. Even as a 3 or 4 year old, I was so embarrassed. And, I never did it again.

I can't even imagine what would have happened had I stolen something from a store. 

Parents need to model good behavior to children at a young age.

And, yes, some people will still do bad things. That's where the government steps in. 

Lawlessness is becoming one of the biggest trends that costs the working class big time. Poor leadership in certain cities across the U.S. has encouraged this type of behavior and worse. Remember the riots and burning, looting, killings during the Summer of Love?

Am so blessed to live where I do, where accountabilitiy for actions, responsible behavior and respect for others are at the forefront! Break the law, get punished. That is necessary for a civilized society and for the safety of Americans.

And our insurance will go up again.

Gavin Newskum was "bragging" about that last night ... and how other states limit is higher. How are you only now learning about this, Richie Alan Naggar?

Theft is rampant, as are all kinds of other "crimes" that are no longer crimes. 

If that makes you see red, then make sure to VOTE the people advocating for this OUT of office. 

HAHAHAH my thoughts are THAT IS CA NOT AZ!

We have no such soft on crime laws and not only will the crook be apprehended, if they are not found BHC PD WILL post to FB PICS of the asshole for the community to ID and they are almost always eventually caught along with their tweaker illegal crook friends!

Change your legislators and your laws and maybe it's not too late for CA. 

That may be a corporation policy that leads to bankruptcy.

It's nice to see them valuing people over profits. 

For clarity.. I'm glad to see they are not willing to risk the safety of their employees merely to chase the value of some merchandise running out the door.

Hi Richie- any parent or teacher or sane human knows that if you reward bad behavior that is what you'll get. We are encouraging thugs and others to ignore the laws because they know they will be let go. 

During the planned and $backed riots here in 2020, our law enforcement had to stand there while thugs threw bricks at them. Tell me where is the common sense in that??

As Johnny Cash would tell the boys "Let's bring it all home". Stealin' is stealin'. If the government condones it, has a threshhold of what is or is not stealing, it's worse than situational ethics CS Lewis labeled.

Didn't you say the clerk said "corporate policy", not government?  I think the company is protecting its employees from aggressive customers who might get violent if confronted. 

Your experience highlights a troubling trend in our society regarding accountability and personal responsibility. The message sent by lenient policies can foster a sense of entitlement to take without consequence. Every action has consequences, particularly when theft becomes normalized. Such behavior ultimately leads to increased prices for honest consumers like you and me.

In a nation built on laws, morals, and decency, it’s crucial to hold individuals accountable for their actions. When people feel emboldened to take advantage of a system, everyone suffers in the long run. Supporting stores that enforce common decency not only protects their business but also helps maintain fair prices for all shoppers. 

The need for a strong ethical framework in our communities cannot be overstated. Promoting responsibility and respect will lead to a healthier society for everyone involved. Your thoughts and observations are valid, and change begins when people like you speak up against injustice.

I feel like the woke society has done what the Conservative society could never accomplish.  The Woke has given the proof to all people just how bad things could get if we continue to allow socialism to continue to creep into our policies.