SBPD makes national news with viral Instagram reel

FIGHTING RETAIL CRIME

“Police in California released a video of a trio of alleged shoplift ers who were shocked to find out that the penalty for their crime had recently changed,” reported Fox News on Dec. 22.

The viral surveillance video shared by the Seal Beach Police Department shows three women walking into the ULTA Beauty store on Seal Beach Boulvard. They browse the shelves and exit the building with more than $1,000 worth of stolen merchandise, according to police, who captioned the video with a “friendly reminder that Proposition 36, which increases punishments for some retail theft and drug possession offenses, went into effect Wednesday morning in California.” The video, which the Seal Beach Police Department posted on itsInstagram account went viral.

It was released as part of the department’s “Don’t Steal in Seal” social media campaign. It has garnered significant public attention and serves as an educational tool on the updated theft-related laws in California, according to a press release from the Seal Beach Police Department. The incident featured in the reel occurred on Dec. 4 at the ULTA store, where three individuals stole an estimated $1,635.24 worth of merchandise. Officers detained the suspects—identified as Destiny Bender, 24, and Deanna Hines, 24, both from Long Beach, and Michelle Pitts, 26, of Signal Hill—after a brief foot pursuit through the parking lot. The suspects were also linked to an earlier theft at a nearby Kohl’s store through surveillance footage.

All three individuals were booked into the Orange County Jail on charges of grand theft, conspiracy to commit a crime and resisting arrest.

Proposition 36, which voters approved in November, creates stricter penalties for organized theft and expands law enforcement capabilities to combat repeat offenders. Specifically, it permits felony charges for petty theft with prior convictions, allows aggregating the value of stolen goods from multiple thefts to meet the $950 felony threshold, and introduces enhancements for theft crimes involving two or more offenders acting in concert.

Chief of Police Michael Henderson commented, “Proposition 36 gives law enforcement and prosecutors much-needed resources to address the growing issue of organized retail theft. This legislation sends a clear message that our communities will not tolerate those who prey on businesses and disrupt public safety.”

In addition to proactive patrols, the Seal Beach Police Department has embraced creative ways to deter crime and engage with the community through its social media campaign.

With the slogan, “Don’t Steal in Seal,” the department highlights arrests and educates the public on the consequences of committing crimes in Seal Beach.

These posts feature videos and messages designed to connect with the community and discourage criminal activity. The campaign has received widespread praise for this innovative approach and effectiveness in engaging the community.

Chief Henderson added, “Our social media campaign, ‘Don’t Steal in Seal,’ has been instrumental in raising public awareness and deterring crime. By creatively showcasing our efforts, we’re fostering community trust and delivering a strong warning to potential offenders.”

The Seal Beach Police Department remains committed to proactive measures, including increased patrols, rapid response efforts, and innovative outreach campaigns, to deter retail theft and protect local businesses.

Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity by calling the Seal Beach Police Department nonemergency line at 562-594-7232.