California police released a video of three alleged shoplifters who were shocked to learn that the sentence for their crime had recently been commuted.
In a viral surveillance video shared by the Seal Beach Police Department on Sunday, three women can be seen walking into an Ulta Beauty store, browsing the shelves, then walking out of the store on what police say is a whim. is $650. the value of the stolen property.
“… a friendly reminder that Proposition 36, which increases the penalty for certain theft and drug possession offenses, went into effect Wednesday morning in California,” Seal Beach Police Department he wrote in the description of the video on their Instagram account.
The video shows the women entering a business and allegedly stealing a large amount of merchandise, totaling $1,000 in stolen merchandise.
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The alleged shoplifter was shocked to learn that shoplifting crimes are a felony in California. (Seal Beach Police Department)
Bodycam video then shows police chasing the women and eventually catching them.
“Is it a crime?” one of the women asks the other in the back of the patrol car.
“B—h new rules,” replied the woman. “Stealing is a crime and this Orange County b—h. They don't play.”
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Police said the women were caught on camera pushing merchandise from several California businesses. (Seal Beach Police Department)
Police shared a kind reminder along with a video.
“It reverses some of the changes made by voters in the 2014 ballot that reformed some non-violent crimes, shortened prison sentences and caused an increase in theft and crime,” police said. “Here at Seal Beach we've never believed in a citation and release program, but this new proposal reinforces our commitment to fighting organized retail theft. Remember folks, don't steal at Seal.”
Proposition 36, the Homelessness, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act, sought to undo parts of Proposition 47 by increasing penalties for certain crimes. Largely passed in California, it reverses the criminal policies supported by billionaire George Soros.
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The alleged thieves were shocked to learn that they could be charged with theft. (Seal Beach Police Department)
When Proposition 47 passed in 2014, it downgraded most thefts from misdemeanors to misdemeanors if the amount stolen was less than $950, “unless the defendant had prior convictions.” first-degree murder, rape, certain sexual offenses, or others. gun crimes.”
Los Angeles County District Attorney moving forward George Gascón, backed by Soros, who helped author Proposition 47, and lost his seat to incumbent Nathan Hochman in November.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom has consistently opposed efforts to repeal parts of Proposition 47, saying it “takes us back to the 1980s, mass incarceration.”
Jamie Joseph of Fox News Digital contributed to this report.
Stepheny Price is a reporter for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. Story tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com