Three women in California recently found themselves in hot water after their casual shoplifting spree ended with a surprising twist—the laws had changed, and the consequences were much harsher than they expected.
The incident began in Seal Beach, where surveillance cameras at an Ulta Beauty store captured the trio wandering through the aisles, picking up items, and walking out with nearly $650 worth of beauty products. But their shopping spree didn’t end there. The women moved on to a Kohl’s store, helping themselves to even more merchandise, this time worth close to $1,000.
The Seal Beach Police Department shared a clip of the events on their social media account, along with a reminder about California’s new Proposition 36, which took effect just days earlier. This law reverses some lenient policies introduced by Proposition 47 in 2014, making theft over $950 a felony again and increasing penalties for certain crimes.
In the video, police body cameras showed officers chasing the suspects, eventually catching and arresting them. The women, identified as Destiny Bender and Deanna Hines, both 24 and from Long Beach, along with 26-year-old Michelle Pitts from Signal Hill, were taken into custody. They now face charges of grand theft, conspiracy, and resisting arrest.
One especially notable moment came from the back of the police car. “It’s a felony?” one of the women asked in disbelief. Another replied, “New laws. Stealing is a felony, and this is Orange County—they don’t mess around.”
The Seal Beach Police Department used this case to highlight the impact of the new law. They explained that Proposition 36 increases penalties for retail theft and certain drug-related offenses. The department stated that it reinforces their dedication to fighting organized retail theft, adding, “Don’t steal in Seal.”
This new proposition rolls back parts of Proposition 47, which had downgraded many thefts under $950 to misdemeanors. Supporters of Proposition 36 argue that it addresses a rise in crime linked to those earlier changes. However, critics, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, oppose the shift, saying it could lead to over-incarceration similar to the 1980s.
The three suspects were booked into the Orange County Jail, and their case serves as a reminder that shoplifting in California isn’t what it used to be. For these women, a quick grab-and-go ended up costing much more than they had bargained for.
