DA Summer Stephan leads charge against ORC

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan illuminates the ongoing battle against organized retail crime (ORC) in Southern California, particularly in San Diego County. With over three million residents, San Diego County faces unique challenges in combating ORC syndicates, many of which originate from Los Angeles and other states. DA Stephan advocates for greater collaboration and legislative change.

A public safety threat

Stephan emphasized that ORC is not just an economic crime; it poses significant threats to public safety and community well-being. She highlighted the trauma experienced by employees and customers alike, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to address this issue.

The importance of collaboration

Collaboration emerges as a key theme in Stephan's strategy to combat ORC effectively. She described the collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and retail stakeholders, including store security personnel. Working together, they share information, track criminal syndicates, and prosecute offenders more effectively.

Legislative challenges

Stephan also highlighted the challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing ORC, including the anonymity of online marketplaces and the need for legislative changes to deter repeat offenders. She advocated for reforms to California laws, such as Proposition 47, which lowered penalties for theft-related offenses.

Despite these challenges, Stephan shared success stories from recent investigations, where her office successfully prosecuted organized crime syndicates responsible for significant losses to retailers. These cases underscore the importance of prioritizing ORC enforcement efforts and implementing strategies to prevent future incidents.