California targets smash-and-grabs with $267 million program aimed at ‘brazen’ store thefts

California will spend $267 million to help dozens of local law enforcement agencies increase patrols, buy surveillance equipment and conduct other activities aimed at cracking down on smash-and-grab robberies happening around the state.

Officials from the California Highway Patrol and San Francisco and Los Angeles law enforcement agencies made the announcement Friday. It follows a string of brazen luxury store robberies in recent months, where dozens of individuals come into a store and begin stealing en masse.

Videos of the incidents have quickly spread online and fueled critics who argue California takes too lax an approach to crime.