Newsom Directs CHP to Step Up Presence Near Retail Centers

In response to a recent increase in organized retail thefts across the state, Gov. Gavin Newsom directed the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to increase its presence near major retail sites and announced a proposed increase in the 2022-2023 state budget to combat retail theft. Since the last two weekends’ string of robberies, the administration has coordinated with local mayors, police departments and retailers to address the increase in felony theft.

The state has increased CHP presence in highly trafficked shopping areas. Saturation patrols will continue through the holiday season to assist partners in the apprehension of criminals as well as to improve public safety.

“The level of organized retail theft we are seeing is simply unacceptable,” said Newsom. “Businesses and customers should feel safe while doing their holiday shopping. That’s why California is substantially increasing CHP’s presence, especially near retail areas, and will be investing even more to aggressively curb retail crime. As a small business owner myself, I am resolved to holding these criminals accountable and protecting our local businesses.”

In July, Newsom joined law enforcement leaders and Big 13 mayors to re-establish CHP’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force. Since its inception, the task force has held 773 investigations, leading to the arrests of 240 individuals and more than $18.9 million in recovered stolen merchandise.