Recently, a spate of smash-and-grab robberies has been occurring across the country. Businesses in numerous areas have been hit, and now Santa Clarita is one of them.
A high-end shoe store at Valencia Town Center was hit last weekend. According to reports, Undisputed Sole was hit at 3:30 am and several pairs of expensive shoes were stolen – some of which included only the left shoe. Glass was shattered near the entrance to the store where the four suspects gained entrance. The suspects remain at large.
It’s unknown whether or not these are some of the same suspects who were recently arrested and released in Los Angeles a few weeks ago. Due to the zero bail policy currently in place, suspected offenders are arrested, booked, and released pending their criminal trial instead of being held in custody in lieu of bail bonds.
Some are saying that Prop 47, the initiative that downgraded several felonies to misdemeanors, and the zero bail policy that’s currently in place are working together to minimize the punishment that would usually deter would-be criminals. Additionally, the current DA of Los Angeles, George Gascon, has come under fire for policies that law enforcement and citizens believe are soft on crime.
Indeed, one of Gascon’s own deputy D.A.s, Jon Hatami – a Santa Clarita resident – wants him out of office as well. Hatami recently filed a civil lawsuit against Gascon alleging retaliation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, defamation, and racial discrimination. Aside from his personal experiences with his boss, some of Hatami’s criticisms include allegations that Gascon’s directives, including eliminating “strikes” and enhanced sentencing, are illegal.
Only time will tell what happens to Gascon. While he was able to unseat the incumbent LA County DA Jackie Lacey during the election, many of his actions have come under criticism from law enforcement.
Santa Clarita Bail Bonds stands firmly in favor of the continued safety of our community. Bail has been historically proven to provide a significant incentive for suspects to be present for all of their court appointments while allowing them the freedom to take care of themselves and their responsibilities while they await their trial.