WATCH: Shoplifters in California Stunned as They Learn the Hard Way that Their Crimes Now Have Major Consequences Thanks to New Law
Criminals are now getting a rude awakening in California after the state’s residents voted to actually hold them accountable last month, reversing a decade-long error.
KTLA reported that the Seal Beach Police Department released footage showing the moment two shoplifters realized that they were headed to jail for their crimes instead of getting a free pass.
The incident occurred at an Ulta Beauty store in Seal Beach on December 4, but the SBPD released it on Monday as an educational reminder that Proposition 36 was now in effect. The new law reversed Proposition 47, which lowered theft crimes such as shoplifting and burglary involving items that are valued less than $950 to misdemeanors.
The footage shows three women, including the two suspects, walking into an Ulta Beauty store and then calmly walking out with several bags full of goods. They then walk into a Kohl’s and steal even more merchandise.
But the police catch up to two of the women as they drive away. One tries to run away but gets forced to the ground and is apprehended along with her friend.
The footage shifts to a police patrol car, where the suspects are surprised that they will be held accountable for their actions.
“It’s a felony?” one shocked suspect can be heard asking. The other stunned criminal grumbles, “B*tch, new laws. Stealing is a felony.”
The latter then says, “And this Orange County B*tch. They don’t play.”
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Police said the suspects made off with a total of $648 from Ulta Beauty and around $1,000 from Kohl’s.
Back in November, voters overwhelmingly passed the Prop 36 back in November with almost 70% of the vote. The new law undoes some penalty reductions for shoplifting and burglary under Prop 47 and turns those misdemeanors into felonies. A conviction can now lead to three years in county jail or state prison.
People convicted of selling hard drugs like heroin or cocaine can also get a longer sentence depending upon the amount sold.
