San Joaquin County is cracking down on two major problems specifically facing Stockton: Illegal dumping and shoplifting, both of which have massive negative impacts on local businesses and communities
To face the growing problem of illegal dumping in the city streets of Stockton, San Joaquin county has launched a campaign dedicated to prosecute illegal dumpers and fine them up to $10,000 as well as incentives for local residents to report any information regarding dumping.
The Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce has also rolled out an initiative, the STAART Program (Stockton Takes Action Against Retail Theft) to help local small businesses to combat retail theft.
ILLEGAL DUMPING
A new illegal dumping measure was passed during a Stockton City Council meeting on Sept. 10 in a 6-0 unanimous vote. It will take effect on October 10, 2024.
“The City has recently seen a significant increase in cases of illegal dumping. In 2022, there were 249 reported cases of illegal dumping, and 222 reported cases in 2023. Within these two years, only 4 arrests were made for illegal dumping under California Penal Code (PC 374.4 / PC 374.3),” according to the board agenda for the meeting.
To help enforce this new measure, stricter penalties will include fines up to $10,000 as well as criminal conviction.
“Upon approval, the FY 2024-25 Fee Schedule will be amended to include the following illegal dumping fines: First Offense: $1,000; Second Offense: $2,000; Third or more Offense: $3,000,” according to the board agenda for the meeting.
This approach is made in hopes of being as effective as possible.
This policy is also offering up to $250 to any resident that is able to provide information that leads to the arrest of an offender.
“Everybody wants to have a clean and inviting living space so we hope that they abide by it for those that have not before and I think the people will appreciate it,” said Heather Brent, Public Information Officer for the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Department.
STAART PROGRAM
The Stockton Takes Action Against Retail Theft (STAART) program is designed to strengthen local businesses’ defenses against the rising tide of shoplifting. Funded through county resources, the initiative provides grants and other financial support to small business owners to implement measures such as security systems, alarms, and increased staff training to prevent theft.
STAART was initiated to help local businesses take action against the growing problem of shoplifting. This program started early July, and provides businesses owners with resources such as alarms, security systems, and better training for staff to ward off the threat of theft. The initiative also rolls out a new app for participating business owners to report crimes as they happen and connect with law enforcement as fast as possible.
This program came into play after California had changed the threshold for a misdemeanor charge from $500 to $950 with proposition 47/Senate Bill 551. Year?
This change can be one possible cause of the increase in retail theft, criminals are more confident in stealing since they now have a higher ceiling before it becomes a major offense.
Even though the dumping act and STAART program were made to handle different issues in Stockton, they share the goal of improving the city’s safety and cleanliness through the collaboration of its community. Both rely on the input and communication of the citizens.
The initiatives are also leaning on hefty fines to ensure enforcement.
