Council Applauds Legislation Targeting Retail Crime, Illegal Street Selling of Stolen Goods

The Bay Area Council this week joined local and state elected and community leaders at a press conference announcing forthcoming legislation related to retail theft co-developed by Senator Scott Wiener and San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie. The anticipated state bill is a reintroduction of last session’s SB 925 , which the Bay Area Council formally supported, and addresses the pervasive issue of fencing – the resale of stolen goods on public property in San Francisco.

Organized fencing operations are fueling rampant retail theft, displacing legitimate street vendors, and contributing to a broader sense of lawlessness in commercial corridors. The “SAFE (San Francisco Allows Fencing Enforcement on our Streets) Act” as proposed would allow the Board of Supervisors to create a list of commonly stolen items and, unless a street vendor is able to show proof of purchase of these types of items when selling them, SFPD can issue citations to the vendor on the first two violations and a misdemeanor penalty on the third. The proposed law is expected to take a strategic, balanced approach – providing San Francisco with stronger tools to regulate high-theft goods while ensuring that California’s vibrant and legal street vending economy is protected. The forthcoming bill text was developed with the vending community, law enforcement, and local elected leadership and is expected to garner broad support, including from the Bay Area Council and its 350+ member companies.

With retail crime continuing to strain businesses, workers, and communities across the Bay Area, the Council remains steadfast in supporting policies that deter theft, hold criminals accountable, and restore public confidence in our downtowns. Addressing retail theft is one of the Bay Area Council’s top five priorities for 2025 and we will continue to push for solutions that empower law enforcement and local governments to intervene effectively. We commend Senator Wiener for his leadership on this urgent issue and will continue to work with state and local leaders to advance solutions that protect businesses, workers, and communities.

To engage in the Bay Area Council’s public safety work, please contact Senior Policy Director Laura Hill.