Speaker Robert Rivas Announces Select Committee to Combat Retail Crime Across California

SACRAMENTO, CA— Speaker Robert Rivas announced today the formation of a Select Committee on Retail Theft, continuing the Assembly and California’s significant investment in combating the issue.

“Californians have had enough of these smash-and-grab crimes and shameless shoplifting incidents,” Speaker Rivas said. “They’re appalling and affect everyone. The Assembly understands we must do more to address root causes, protect businesses owners and fight criminal activity. It’s my expectation that the Retail Theft select committee will act with focus and urgency.”

Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur of Los Angeles will chair the select committee. 

“I applaud and thank Speaker Rivas for prioritizing this important issue,” Assemblymember Zbur said. “We are seeing increasing store closures across the state attributed to shoplifting, as well as commercial burglary and robbery. Widespread retail crime is not only bad for business and a source of shopper inconvenience – it’s also an issue of safety, and the perception of safety, for workers, business owners and the public. Speaker Rivas and members of the Assembly are committed to responding with smart and effective solutions to this trend of retail thefts and organized crime, and the Select Committee is ready to get to work.”

The Select Committee will convene hearings this fall and into next year.