Sacramento City Attorney Threatens Target with Fines for Reporting Thefts, Prompting Legislative Action

A Sacramento city attorney has allegedly threatened to fine a local Target store for reporting numerous thefts to the police, labeling it a public nuisance. According to reports, Sacramento’s legal department warned the Target at 2505 Riverside Boulevard in Land Park about the potential for administrative fines due to frequent calls to the police over theft incidents.

An anonymous source, fearing retaliation, informed The Sacramento Bee about these warnings, which were confirmed by a police spokesperson. This development prompted state lawmakers to amend a retail theft bill to prevent such threats against businesses from authorities.

Sacramento City Attorney Susana Alcala Wood’s office is at the center of this controversy, with claims that the office sought to penalize Target for reporting crimes. Meanwhile, California’s government is pushing for a legislative package to address retail theft, emphasizing penalties over changes to Proposition 47, which had previously reduced penalties for drug and theft offenses and has been linked to increased theft problems in the state.

State legislators are debating crime-related legislation, which critics argue might deter support for reforming Prop 47. This reform measure, backed by sufficient petition signatures, is set for the November ballot.

California Assembly GOP Leader James Gallagher criticized the state’s handling of theft, suggesting that the threat against Target is part of a broader issue where theft victims are discouraged from reporting crimes. Criminal defense attorney Nicole Castronova echoed this sentiment, highlighting the adverse effects on retailers and job losses due to unchecked theft.

The controversy has drawn responses from various stakeholders, including Alexander Gammelgard of the California Police Chiefs Association, who testified against the notion of penalizing crime reporting. The Sacramento Bee also reported community concerns and ongoing efforts to develop safety plans for the affected Target store, involving increased security measures and environmental design strategies.

The city’s actions have raised questions about crime statistics manipulation and the responsibilities of city officials to support businesses and residents. The data indicates a significant number of theft-related calls to Sacramento’s Target stores, highlighting the ongoing challenges in addressing retail theft effectively.