By: ABQRAW staff
Posted: 9/5/2023 @ 1:30PM
Albuquerque –
In recent months, District Attorney Sam Bregman has taken center stage within Bernalillo County, New Mexico, as he spearheads a relentless campaign against the rising tide of shoplifting cases in the area. With a no-nonsense approach and a commitment to protecting local businesses and communities, Bregman is making headlines for all the right reasons.
At a September 5th, 2023, press conference District Attorney Bregman was flanked by lawmakers, business leaders, and law enforcement leaders to announce a new approach.
The Bernalillo County District Attorney’s office will now be prosecuting ALL shoplifting cases, including misdemeanor cases. The new changes went into effect September 1, 2023.
Formerly, many of those cases were being prosecuted by law enforcement officers. Now, attorneys from the DA’s office handle ALL of them.
“Residents of Bernalillo County have made it clear, they have had enough. People should be able to go to the store without being afraid. Business owners are also fed up. We think these new changes will hold repeat shoplifters accountable,” said Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman.
“It will also free up law enforcement officers to patrol the streets instead of spending hours in the courtroom,” Bregman said.
Shoplifting has become a pressing issue in Bernalillo County, affecting both small and large retailers. Losses incurred due to thefts not only cripple businesses but also lead to higher prices for consumers. Bregman’s efforts to tackle this problem head-on have earned him widespread praise.
According to the DA’s office, currently, 40 to 70 misdemeanor shoplifting cases go through the courts each month.
A misdemeanor case by state statute is someone accused of shoplifting under $500 worth of merchandise. Over $500 the crime becomes a felony.
Watch the full Press Conference HERE: