The announcement drew an immediate reaction from small business owners who are worried that word of the policy will encourage shoplifting.
While the Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot tried to clarify his new policy on Friday, some business owners are worried about what the DA’s new policy will mean for them.
Cody Ellison and his business partner own three shops in the Bishop Arts District. The DA’s letter to the people of Dallas County does not sit well with him.
“To have the thought of someone being able to come in and steal $750 from us and there be no consequence is unfathomable to me,” Ellison said.
The DA’s letter says: “Criminalizing poverty is counter-productive for our community’s health and safety. For that reason, this office will not prosecute theft of personal items less than $750 unless the evidence shows that the alleged theft was for economic gain.”
“They say essentials,” Ellison said. “For us, essentials are clothing. People have to have clothing.”
www.fox4news.com/news/business-owners-have-mixed-reactions-to-dallas-county-das-new-policies
h/t LSR