ROSEVILLE, CA (MPG) - This morning, the Placer County District Attorney’s Office hosted a Retail Theft Initiative Update inside the Westfield Galleria at Roseville, highlighting how Placer County continues to lead with cutting-edge forensic tools, cross-agency collaboration, and new prosecution authority under Proposition 36 to combat statewide organized retail theft. 

Held just days before the busiest shopping week of the year, the event brought together local chambers of commerce, law enforcement agencies, retailers, and community leaders to send a clear message: Placer County is open for business — and committed to a safe, thriving retail environment. 

During the event, the District Attorney’s Office unveiled several major advancements from their Retail Theft Program.

Advanced data analysis: Uses a new crime analyst position, digital mapping, repeat-offender tracking, and cross-county data to quickly identify statewide theft crews. Helps prosecutors link cases, expose networks, and build stronger charges. 

Expanded authority under Proposition 36 (2024): Allows Placer County to consolidate and prosecute theft crimes across multiple jurisdictions. Closes loopholes offenders used to avoid accountability and enables prosecution of multi-county offenders. 

Statewide case jurisdiction: The program assumed jurisdiction over multi-county and statewide retail theft crews, allowing Placer County to lead statewide prosecutions. 

Cross-agency and retail collaboration: Coordinated with 30 agencies across 27 counties, partnered with 11,000 Placer County businesses through the local chambers.  

Placer County’s Retail Theft team released new data trends showing: 

95% of the defendants were out-of-county offenders, using Placer as part of a larger crime corridor stretching from Nevada through the Bay Area and down to Southern California. 

71% of retail theft defendants had prior convictions for dangerous crimes, reinforcing the link between retail theft and broader criminal behavior. 

90% of the defendants were repeat offenders, and many operated across counties — validating the need for Prop 36 vertical prosecution.  

“Placer County is once again leading the state on a major criminal justice issue,” said Placer County District Attorney Morgan Gire. 

"Through forensic analysis, Proposition 36, and unprecedented collaboration, we are identifying organized retail theft rings faster, holding repeat offenders accountable, taking down statewide operations and keeping our communities safe. This initiative is just another example of why our small but mighty county continues to be at the forefront of these statewide issues.”  

“Preventative justice and a strong partnership with the District Attorney’s Office are critical to maintaining a safe, welcoming shopping environment. That collaboration not only ensures our shopping center remains a great place to visit, shop, and relax, but also strengthens consumer confidence and fuels the local economy," said Jeff Richardson, Westfield Galleria Mall.

“We’re incredibly fortunate to live, work, and do business in Placer County — a community where partnership truly matters,” said Tom Indrieri, CEO, Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. “Our District Attorney’s Office sets the standard for accountability, prosecuting those who prey on our citizens and local businesses. That commitment to justice is one of the strongest deterrents we have and a key reason our local economy continues to thrive.”

“Placer County is the best place in California to run a small business because of the support we receive from law enforcement and our community,” said Ellie Doyen, Community & Media Manager, Action Camera. “The DA’s Office holds offenders accountable and works closely with retailers, which gives businesses like ours real confidence. We still have a community that takes care of each other and prioritizes quality of life — and that shows in everything we do.”

“The Retail Theft Initiative signs you see across our community represent unity — businesses, law enforcement, and the District Attorney’s Office working together. This partnership sends a clear message: theft will not be tolerated, and our county remains one of the safest and strongest places in California to shop and do business,” said Amanda Standley, Loomis Basin Chamber of Commerce.  

With the largest regional retail destination in Northern California, Placer County plays a critical role in statewide retail safety. The Retail Theft Initiative continues to set the standard for real-time communication with retailers, unified multi-agency enforcement, data-driven prosecution models, statewide case consolidation and community-centered safety strategies  

The program demonstrates how accountability, prevention, partnership and continued investment can protect businesses, strengthen local economies, and enhance public safety. Learn more at www.placer.ca.gov/RetailTheft