California looking to prevent retail crime this holiday shopping season

GILROY, Calif. (KION-TV)- The holiday shopping is in full swing. But the biggest concerns of people's minds is smash and grab's and car-break-in's. 

People are worried about retail theft this time of year. Shoppers feel like that they need to be on guard. 

Monica Vazquez of Watsonville and her son were shopping for Christmas gifts, when they saw a man steal and dash out of the Nike store.

“He was looking around and I just hear the alarm,” said Vazquez. “I see him running with stuff and I was like ‘Oh my gosh’. I was just scared you know?

Crimes like that put her on edge. Vazquez makes sure none her shopping bags are left alone.

“We try do all the shopping at once if we can,” said Vazquez. “If not, then somebody can stay in the car.”

The state is upping its efforts hoping to combat retail crime. Since of the start of the organized retail theft task force, the CHP's been involved in nearly 1300 investigations, arrested 645 suspects, and recovered more than 270,000 stolen goods, which cost almost $26 million dollars.

“More police presence, not just in the outlet but every retail store around,” said Kay Amado of Gilroy.

The CHP's Commissioner said, they are working with other law enforcement agencies to deter organized crime and theft rings.  But shoppers like Amado are remaining vigilant.

“They always tell us, ‘Hey you should be observant and just don't shop around,” said Amado. “Also look around and see if there's any suspicious activity or suspicious people.”

 A 2022 survey by the National Retail Federation showed retail theft is a $100 billion dollar problem. 

Governor Newsom also signed a bill this year that would make it harder for individuals to sell stolen merchandise online, which takes effect next year.