GALT, CA (MPG) - Alleged repeat offenders will face stiffer penalties after being arrested for allegedly shoplifting at a Galt store due to a law passed by California voters last year. 

The Galt Police Department announced the arrest of a 54-year-old Sacramento man for allegedly shoplifting from Save Mart at 1059 C St. on Saturday. According to the department, the man, alongside a 42-year-old North Highlands woman, was arrested as they attempted to load the reportedly stolen goods into their vehicle. 

Galt Police reported that after a criminal history check it was determined that the man had multiple prior convictions for property-related crime, making him eligible for felony charges following the approval of Proposition 36: the Homelessness, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act. The law went into effect on Dec. 18. 

He was charged with shoplifting conspiracy and the newly implemented charge of petty theft with priors. The woman was arrested for shoplifting and conspiracy and was released at the scene.  

The arrest followed another incident on New Year’s Eve where an individual was arrested for allegedly attempting to break into an ATM. That person also faces increased felony charges.

Galt Police Lt. Brian Azevedo described the law change as “another tool in our toolbox.”  

“It gives us a little more authority and ability to book someone and instead of just issuing a citation, which is how we have had to do it for about the last 10 years,” Azevedo said. “We are now able to book people and keep people in jail for theft if it qualifies for that charge.” 

Prop. 36 reversed some of the punishment reduction requirements approved by voters under Proposition 47, according to an analysis from the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office. 

It was widely supported by Galt voters in the 2024 election. The measure received overwhelming statewide support from voters, with 68% in favor of the change. 

Prop. 47, approved in 2014, downgraded thefts worth $950 or less and some drug-related charges into misdemeanors. Some critics argued the change in sentencing guidelines led to a spike in petty crime and drug use. 

Under Prop. 36, offenders who have had two prior theft or drug convictions can now be charged with a felony for thefts under $950 and the possession of certain drugs. 

“It helps us out by being able to protect the public more and be able to be out there and get people who are legitimately are committing crimes and should not be able to be out there on the streets,” Azevedo added. 

The man was booked and transferred to Sacramento County’s Jail on I Street in Downtown Sacramento.