A 14-year-old girl was recently caught on camera leading a shoplifting gang in a brazen raid on a Nike store in Irvine, California. The incident is part of a disturbing trend of escalating retail crime in the state, raising serious concerns about public safety and law enforcement.
The young girl, along with her accomplices, showed no fear or hesitation as they ransacked the store, grabbing armfuls of merchandise before casually walking out onto the street. The group did not even bother to disguise themselves, seemingly unconcerned about being recorded by the store’s security cameras.
Trump on California: “The far Left communists have given you sanctuary cities, mass homeless encampments, out of control taxes, rolling blackouts, roving bands of looters, criminals, and thugs. But other than that, I think they’re doing quite a good job.” pic.twitter.com/9wjuC77fxh
— TheBlaze (@theblaze) September 29, 2023
This is not the first time this particular Nike store has been targeted. Police believe the same gang has hit other outlets in Carlsbad and San Clemente, making off with an estimated $11,000 worth of stolen goods.
Authorities suspect these individuals are part of an organized retail crime group responsible for a series of similar thefts across the region. The rise in such crimes has coincided with the controversial zero bail policy introduced in the city during the pandemic to combat jail overcrowding.
Although the policy expired last summer, it was reintroduced earlier this year, sparking outrage among many residents and law enforcement officials. Critics argue that the policy emboldens criminals by eliminating the financial consequences of their actions.
Prominent figures like rapper 50 Cent publicly criticized the policy, warning it could lead to a breakdown of law and order in the city. Meanwhile, Governor Gavin Newsom defended the move, arguing it helps address racial inequity and structural bias in the criminal justice system.
Yo, @GavinNewsom,
Will this be deducted from their reparations?
Will they be cited for not wearing anti-Covid face masks?
L.A. 'Flash Mob’ of Looters Caught on Video Ransacking 7-Elevenhttps://t.co/TevmSXkx9K
I discuss this in “As Goes California”https://t.co/QsfzaOZdMt
— Larry Elder (@larryelder) September 30, 2023
However, the surge in robberies and larcenies reported to the police over the past year suggests the policy may be having unintended consequences.
LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger has voiced her concerns, asking, “How are we going to make sure that criminals out there don’t feel there are no consequences to the actions they take?”
The audacity of these criminals is further highlighted by an incident involving a suspected shoplifter who returned to the store she allegedly robbed to demand the return of her dropped phone.
The owner offered to return the phone if she returned the stolen goods, but instead, she responded with aggression, shoving the shop owner.
This wave of brazen thefts and the apparent lack of fear among criminals underscore the urgent need for a review of the zero bail policy.
As Gary Boyer, Mayor of Glendora, rightly pointed out, this policy is a “threat to public safety.” It’s time for California’s leaders to reassess their approach and take decisive action to protect their citizens and businesses from this growing menace.
