Streamlining Retail Theft Reporting in Long Beach
Retail theft continues to challenge commercial property owners and managers across Long Beach, creating operational disruptions and financial losses.
The City of Long Beach is piloting a new program, DirectConnect, designed to simplify the reporting of theft incidents and increase successful prosecutions, providing property teams with a more efficient tool to protect assets.
What You Need to Know
DirectConnect offers a secure online portal where businesses can submit theft reports directly to the City Prosecutor’s Office.
The portal is designed for cases where evidence—like video footage, receipts, or witness statements—is already available, allowing for faster misdemeanor prosecution.
Only businesses that complete training and certification from the City Prosecutor’s Office can submit reports in this pilot program.
The training ensures reports meet legal standards, covering evidence collection, report formatting, and witness statements.
Felony cases are automatically referred to detectives and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
It's important to note that DirectConnect does not replace emergency police response; businesses should still call 911 for active incidents.
This six-month pilot will start with select retailers. City staff will then evaluate the program’s effectiveness, gather feedback, and determine potential funding and staffing needs for permanent adoption.
How It Impacts You
Reduced Reporting Burden: Property teams can submit theft reports without navigating complex traditional reporting procedures, freeing up staff time for operational priorities.
Improved Prosecution Outcomes: By ensuring reports include proper evidence and documentation, businesses increase the likelihood of successful prosecutions, discouraging repeat offenses.
Proactive Asset Protection: DirectConnect helps property teams fight retail theft while strengthening law enforcement partnerships.
Stay Connected
This pilot represents a significant step toward smarter, more efficient crime prevention for commercial properties in Long Beach, giving managers and service providers a practical resource to safeguard assets and support local businesses.
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