HomeMy WebLinkAboutSupport Letter - SB 23 (Wiener) - 06.25.2019CITY OF
CUPERTINO
June 25, 2019
MAYOR STEVEN SCHARF
sscharf@cupertino.org
CITY HALL
10300 TORRE AVENUE • CUPERTINO, CA 95014-3255
TELEPHONE: (408) 777-3191 • FAX: (408) 777-3366
CUPERTINO.ORG
The Honorable Scott Wiener
California State Senate
State Capitol, Room 5100
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: Support Senate Bill 23 (Wiener) — Unlawful entry of a vehicle
Dear Senator Wiener:
On behalf of the City of Cupertino, I am writing to express our support for your bill, Senate
Bill 23, which clarifies that the definition of auto burglary is entering a vehicle unlawfully
with the intent to commit theft.
Under current law, a person arrested for auto burglary can escape a conviction if the
prosecutor is unable to prove that the vehicle was locked. The mere fact that a victim's
window may have been broken does not, by itself, establish that the vehicle doors were
locked. This evidence is especially needed in cases where the victim is unavailable or
unknown, which is common amongst tourist victims, since they typically do not return
for trials.
Closing this statutory loophole would allow prosecutors to hold auto burglars
accountable for their actions, and would help provide peace of mind for both residents
and visitors alike throughout the State.
For these reasons, the City of Cupertino is proud to support SB 23.
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Steven Scharf
Mayor, City of Cupertino