close
Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what’s clicking on Foxnews.com.
Prosecutors in New Mexico’s largest metro area are taking over all cases involving retail theft including small-scale shoplifting, in efforts to enforce new state sanctions against coordinated retail crime.
Albuquerque-area District Attorney Sam Bregman and New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Tuesday announced the approach to combating retail crime.
Previously, police officers in the Albuquerque area often processed misdemeanor sanctions for shoplifting less than $500 worth of merchandise. Prosecutors say they can then consolidate related cases of retail theft over a 90-day period and possibly bring felony charges.
OREGON POLICE EXECUTE SHOPLIFTING STING AS THEFT PROJECTED TO SOAR OVER $100 BILLION BY 2025
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham speaks on Aug. 9, 2023, in Belen. Prosecutors in New Mexico are taking over all cases involving retail theft including small-scale shoplifting. (Alex Brandon)
Lujan Grisham signed legislation in April to create a new category of “organized retail crime” and stiffen penalties for organized theft of store merchandise as retailers have highlighted losses from coordinated pilfering.
“People should be able to go to the store without being afraid. Business owners are also fed up,” said Bregman, announcing the new approach to prosecution. “We think these new changes will hold repeat shoplifters accountable.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
In New Mexico and beyond, major retailers are trying to curb theft while not angering shoppers as they lock up everyday items on display. A new federal law requires online marketplaces to verify high-volume sellers on their platforms amid heightened concerns about retail crime.
Lujan Grisham said the new approach across Bernalillo County will help ensure consistent and effective efforts to combat retail theft, and free up police officers to handle other public safety concerns.
Things like your name, home address, date of birth and even your Social Security number…
Most people never think about Android security updates until a headline like this appears. Suddenly,…
The next time you pull up to the drive-thru at Burger King, you may notice…
You may think you can spot a crypto scam from a mile away. But what…
The first Tesla Cybercab has officially rolled off the floor at Tesla Gigafactory Texas. And…
Smart glasses promise a future where technology blends into everyday life. You can ask a…