California Bill Would Let Retailers Get Restraining Orders Against Thieves

A bill aimed at cracking down on retail theft by allowing courts to issue restraining orders against theft offenders passed the California Legislature Aug. 12 and was sent to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk for a signature. AB 3209 would authorize a court to issue a criminal restraining order prohibiting a person sentenced for a retail theft offense from entering that same retail establishment, its parking lots, or any potential franchise or chain locations. According to the legislation, any violation of such a restraining order would be punishable as a misdemeanor. In California, the bill is the first legislation to propose the use of protective orders to crack down on retail theft....