Bill to Fix Car Break-In Laws Awaits Governor's Approval

A legislative proposal aimed at addressing the persistent issue of car break-ins in California is now awaiting Governor Gavin Newsom's approval. Authored by State Senator Scott Wiener, the bill seeks to close what is known as the "auto-lock loophole," which currently requires proof that a vehicle's doors were locked in order to secure a conviction for car burglary. Wiener argues that this requirement is unreasonable, stating, "If you have proof that someone broke into a car, that should be enough to convict the person and to have accountability." The existing law poses significant challenges, particularly for non-resident victims, such as tourists who may not return to California to testify about their locked vehicles. This concern was highlighted by Wiener during a 2018 briefing, where he noted the difficulties faced by international visitors, like a family from Argentina whose car was broken into while visiting San Francisco. Previous attempts to amend the law in 2018 and 2019 were unsuccessful, as lawmakers were hesitant to increase criminal penalties. In response to the ongoing issue, the San Francisco Police Department initiated a crackdown on car break-ins last August, resulting in a reported 50% decrease in incidents compared to 2022. Wiener expressed optimism that the new legislation, if signed into law, would provide law enforcement with an essential tool to enhance accountability for car burglaries, reinforcing the city's efforts to combat this crime.