Los Angeles County is taking a bold step to tackle retail theft, which has been a significant issue for local businesses. To combat this problem, District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced a new initiative where 10,000 yellow decals will be made available for local stores. These decals, which feature QR codes, are part of a strategy to warn criminals that theft will be prosecuted and to encourage the public to report crimes.
Retail theft has cost businesses millions since the start of the year, and Hochman is determined to put an end to this cycle. He emphasized the importance of holding criminals accountable to protect the community’s small businesses and retailers. According to the National Retail Federation, Los Angeles is currently the worst area in the country for organized retail crime.
In a press conference held in front of a 7-Eleven in West Los Angeles, Hochman stressed the need to stop the “catch-and-release” policy that lets repeat offenders roam freely. “Small businesses, stores, and even big-box retailers constitute the lifeline of our communities,” he said. “They’ve had to deal over the last several years with criminals who had the mistaken belief that you can come into a 7-Eleven, for instance, take whatever you want, leave, and nothing would happen.”
Hochman assured the public that this will no longer be the case. “You will be held accountable, you will be arrested, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” he stated. The initiative is supported by Proposition 36, the “Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act,” which was passed by voters and became effective in December 2024.
This new law enhances penalties for certain theft crimes and reclassifies some misdemeanors as felonies for repeat offenders. Since its implementation, over 1,000 felony theft charges have been filed against repeat offenders under Prop. 36. “We are armed with an additional set of laws under Prop. 36,” Hochman added.
Before Prop. 36, thefts under $950 were considered misdemeanors, allowing offenders to skirt felony charges. This leniency contributed to what Hochman’s office called a “culture of impunity.” One notable arrest since the law’s enactment was of Corry Summerville, a serial shoplifter at the 7-Eleven featured in the news conference.
Summerville faces 12 felony charges and one count of robbery for thefts at the convenience store owned by Jawad Ursani. His actions have led to four employees resigning due to fear, with one employee allegedly being assaulted. “We commend the victim for ultimately coming forward,” said LAPD Commanding Officer Capt. Richard Gabaldon.
Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky, whose district includes the targeted 7-Eleven, expressed concern over the impact of such crimes. “When a store is repeatedly targeted or a theft turns violent, it does more than hurt the business,” she said. “It makes you wonder if it’s safe to send your kids in.”
Hochman is working with various law enforcement agencies to investigate organized retail crime. This collaboration aims to dismantle criminal enterprises and prosecute offenders. “This is a warning to all the criminals out there,” said LAPD Capt. Francis Boateng. “If you come to these stores and think you’re going to come here and commit a crime, we’re going to arrest you.”
Convenience store owner Ursani expressed his gratitude for the support from Hochman and law enforcement. His store has been targeted by smash-and-grab incidents and a repeat shoplifter, causing considerable losses. Ursani noted the importance of this initiative for community safety and stability.
Ursani has spent significant amounts on protection, diverting funds from inventory and community investments. “It’s not just about theft, it’s about the fear and instability it brings to everyone who depends on this store,” he stated. Prop. 36 has provided law enforcement with crucial tools to address these challenges.
Detective Division Chief Joe Mendoza of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department highlighted the dual benefits of Prop. 36. It allows for necessary reforms while focusing resources on serious theft operations. “While Proposition 36 promotes necessary criminal justice reform, it also allows us to focus resources on serious, organized theft operations that harm our communities,” Mendoza said.
