Here’s an idea that could radically cut down on retail theft: allow security guards and store employees to use tasers on thieves.
Now, before the wokes freak out that I’m advocating for people to be shot, first of all, tasers are not guns. They’re not lethal. But they do hurt, a lot. And I see no reason why stores owners should not be allowed to protect their property, in a sort of “stand your ground” response.
Retail theft is killing our cities. Day after day we read of stores in Oakland that are shutting down. Why would we not use a tool to combat retail theft that can work? When the thieves realize that they’re likely to be tased with 50,000 volts of electricity, they may think twice about looting that 7-Eleven, Apple Store, cannabis dispensary or Shoe Palace.
Now, I know that sensitive types will scream, “You can’t do that! It’s inhumane. These shoplifters aren’t criminals, they’re our babies!” Well, no, it’s not inhumane and they’re not our babies. When a store is under attack by mercenaries, whoever is working there has the right to resist.
Tasers require training in order to be used legally, but that’s no problem. Training is inexpensive—about $200 per person, so a store owner can easily afford it. They’re simple to use: just flick on the activation switch and fire. The best place to aim is the mid-section of the body. That should immobilize the thief long enough to call 9-1-1. If the perp begins to act threateningly again, you can always tase him a second time.
As for Proposition 47, that’s the 2014 statewide ballot initiative that, among other things, said shoplifting less than $950 worth of goods is no longer a felony, but merely a simple misdemeanor. One can argue whether or not Prop 47 is responsible for the current epidemic of retail theft—I believe it is--but one thing is certain: it’s not helpful. Almost nobody gets arrested for misdemeanor shoplifting. These thieves know it, and it very likely induces them to steal.
Tasers are an anti-inducement, and that’s what we need. Nothing else is stopping retail theft. We’re grateful to Gov. Newsom for sending in the 120 CHP officers and the lawyers who will now oversee the rogue D.A., Pamela Price, but those things in themselves will have little impact, if any, on retail theft. Allowing store employees to use tasers would be far more effective. (Of course, if we really want to get serious about combatting crime of all types, we also need to get rid of permissive judges, hire more cops and, most importantly, remove the hindrances to police arresting suspects. Cops are currently so saddled with watchdogs, monitors and ambulance-chasing lawyers they’re afraid of being proactive, and I for one don’t blame them.)
Finally, we need to get rid of Prop 47. There are currently efforts to get a repeal on the 2024 ballot; meanwhile, in the Legislature, there’s a bipartisan movement to reform it. Most of our local Mayors, including London Breed and Matt Mahan, support reforming 47, but not, of course, Oakland’s pro-criminal mayor, Sheng Thao. Gov. Newsom also is opposed to changing Prop 47, which is odd, since he’s denounced retail theft so strongly. His opposition puts him at odds with increasing numbers of Democratic legislators who favor reforming 47. This is all going to play out in the coming months. I urge you to contact your state Senator and Assembly member and tell them to repeal or reform Prop 47.
Steve Heimoff