BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) – Lawmakers are weighing changes to the controversial public safety law born of Proposition 47 in advance of the November elections. Critics say one of the most visible consequences of Proposition 47 is a surge in shoplifting.

But what does the average Californian think about it?

Their opinion matters because, in a sense, it’s back on the ballot this November. Democratic lawmakers reacting to criticism of the 2014 ballot measure have 14 bills in the state senate and assembly that would address increases in certain crimes while leaving intact other positive aspects of Prop. 47 that have helped decrease crime.

California voters to consider reforms to law blamed for rise in thefts

Prop. 47, among other things, set the line between misdemeanor theft and possible felony grand theft up to $950. Some say moving that threshold down again to $450 will discourage shoplifting and related crimes.

Monday morning shoppers in Bakersfield said they know this much — they’re tired of shoplifting, whatever the reason for its recent surge.

Insurance agent Walter Clapp said the state needs to flex its muscle and deal with offenders.

“It’s long overdue,” Clapp said. “It’s ridiculous that they allow people to come in and take merchants’ merchandise with no penalty.”

Glenda Priest-Hunt, a retired grocery clerk, said the felony shoplifting threshold ought to be even lower.

“”If anyone steals more than $100,” she said, “it should be a felony.”

Stephanie Hererra of Good Samaritan Hospital said she sees it every day.

Woman says she was fired after trying to stop shoplifters

“I was just at Big Lots and three females came in with a cart and they just walked right on out,” Herrera saud. “They threw everything inside the shopping cart and they walked right out. We couldn’t do anything about it.”

Schoolteacher Cindi Hair said shoplifting makes shopping more expensive and more dangerous.

“I  just think it’s making the prices higher for all of us,” she said, “and it’s making shopping more dangerous and us more likely to just sit at home and do it online.”

Osiel Jaime, an engineer for the state, said it’s time to count the Prop. 47 experience as a lesson learned.

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“I think it was an experiment and the experience didn’t go so well,” he said. “so that is what it is. “

Democrats’ legislative efforts to fix aspects of Prop. 47 address much more than shoplifting – and informed constituents need to educate themselves before taking positions on one side or the other. Because, hard to believe as it may be, overall crime in California is down. Nevertheless, Prop 47 is on trial.

Keep it or change it? We were keeping score and at least here in Bakersfield, most shoppers say it’s time to get tougher on shoplifting.

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