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Today: April 06, 2025
Today: April 06, 2025

Business owners hopeful Prop 36 will help reduce shoplifting

January 20, 2025

    CHICO, California (KHSL) -- Following the passage of Proposition 36 in November, some Chico business owners are expressing optimism that the new law will provide better protection against theft, particularly shoplifting.

While itโ€™s still too early to determine the long-term effects of Prop 36, which increases penalties for repeat offenders, some local business owners feel the legislation is a positive step toward reducing crime. Kathy Squyres, owner of Country Squyres Antiques, shared her personal experience with theft, recalling a time when a $2,500 watch was stolen from her shopโ€”and the thief got away without consequences.

"Iโ€™m frustrated because thereโ€™s nothing you can do. You have no recourse. At least now, I think we will have some, so hopefully, this will make a difference," Squyres said.

Prop 36 introduces harsher penalties for repeat shoplifters, particularly those who have already been convicted multiple times. Under the new law, those who commit shoplifting offenses three timesโ€”regardless of the value of the stolen itemsโ€”can now face felony charges.

In addition to these changes, the law also aims to combat the opioid crisis by classifying fentanyl as a hard drug, allowing for sentencing enhancements that impose additional prison time if drug dealers are found with loaded firearms or large quantities of the drugs.

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