According to RedState, California Governor Gavin Newsom recently took to social media to boast about the increase in arrests of suspected retail theft culprits in the state.
However, his proclamation was met with swift criticism, as many believe that the current climate of lawlessness in California is a direct result of policies implemented by Newsom and his Democratic colleagues.
Newsom proudly announced, "California is stopping organized retail theft. So far this year, @CHP_HQ's Organized Retail Crime Task Force has made 636 arrests recovering nearly $5.7 million in stolen goods." Indeed, there has been a notable surge in arrests. The California Highway Patrols (CHP) Organized Retail Crime Taskforce (ORCTF) has made 636 arrests and recovered 216,754 stolen items valued at nearly $5.7 million since January. This represents a 167% increase in arrests and a 525% rise in recovered stolen goods compared to the same period last year.
However, it's worth noting that crime rates have also soared under Newsom's leadership. Organized retail theft has escalated significantly throughout California since the start of the decade. High-profile incidents such as the San Francisco Union Square robberies in 2021 and the series of smash-and-grab flash mob robberies in Los Angeles in early 2023 have made national headlines. It seems that criminals no longer fear justice in progressive states.
Newsom's self-congratulatory narrative raises several questions. One glaring issue is the comparison to last year's figures. What were the law enforcement agencies doing then? Were they simply allowing criminals to roam free? The high number of arrests also raises eyebrows. Why is crime so rampant that such a large number of apprehensions is necessary?
Frank Ma, a former Bay Area law enforcement officer and security consultant, criticized Newsom's approach in an interview with the California Globe. He likened it to boasting about cleaning up broken china after shattering all the teacups. He pointed out that the increase in CHP funding and support is a response to police cuts and laws that do not impose serious penalties for thefts under $950. He argued that the high crime rates and the need for a task force are problems created by Newsom and his allies.
Newsom's press release conveniently omitted the reasons for the high retail theft rates. His crime statistics are misleading. While the recovery of $5.7M in assets is commendable, it is a mere drop in the ocean. Arrests are futile if they do not lead to prosecutions, convictions, and prison time. Newsom is closing prisons and many District Attorneys refuse to prosecute, making it impossible to remove criminals from the streets.
Newsom's focus on crime raises questions about his motives. Is he genuinely concerned about crime, or is he merely positioning himself for a potential presidential run if Joe Biden decides not to run? His track record suggests that crime, homelessness, and the welfare of average Californians are not his top priorities. His consistent commitment to abortion rights, however, is evident.
Newsom's term ends in 2026, and it appears he is already planning his next move. He seems to be attempting to rectify some of the issues he has overseen, perhaps aware that a national audience may not be as forgiving as the California electorate. Many hope that he never attains a national office, as they believe his presidency could be more destructive than that of Joe Biden.
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