OldLady
Diamond Member
- Nov 16, 2015
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If we're talking about SF, they're crazy, seem to not even be trying anymore while organized rings of thieves go in and help themselves, then sell their wares in street markets! Employees are instructed not to confront them because the thieves can get violent. Police ARE arresting some of these folks, say they want the pros, not the homeless or the drug addicts who are stealing to survive.Yes it would. But since we cannot do that here due to the Constitution, cruel and unusual punishment clause, and the right to a fair and speedy trial, wouldn't it make sense to offer as much of a deterrent as we can within out guidelines?
All of California has this rule that shoplifting under $950 is a misdemeanor with $1,000 fine or 6 months in jail. SF has 4 times as much shoplifting as the rest of CA, though, because they're not even trying. Thieves (pros) are going to SF from all over the state to steal stuff it's so easy.
There is no way to argue this rationally. For the most part, I see nothing wrong with the penalty though--it seems to fit the crime.