Proposition 36 takes effect Wednesday after California voters overwhelmingly approved the measure in the November election. Earlier, the district attorney, Sacramento County sheriff, law enforcement officials and the business community met and said they were fed up with rampant retail thefts in the community. “We will hold people accountable under Proposition 36,” said Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho. “Now we have more. As prosecutors, we have more power to hold retail thieves accountable. “We have more resources to get addicts off the streets.” Under Proposition 36, two prior theft convictions can result in the third being charged as a felony, Ho explained. “We can now combine and consolidate multiple cases into one Felony charges.” “If you get arrested, you’re going to jail,” Ho said. Voters approved Prop 36 by nearly 70% on Election Day, which Ho said signaled Californians’ frustration with retail theft. Ho said he is working with other district attorneys to implement protocols to prosecute thieves under the new parameters. Ho said his office is also working to streamline reporting processes for businesses and consumers. Sheriff Jim Cooper said he believes it will also help deputies by increasing their ability to take action against organized retail theft rings and individual criminals. “A lot of people do it because there is no responsibility. I’m not going to get in trouble,” Cooper said. “This is a change. It’s a start. The people voted for it. “This belongs to the people.” Cooper said of the 1,000 people arrested in retail thefts last year, only 12 were homeless and few accepted food. He said he believes people commit these crimes not for survival reasons, but because current laws are too lax. “If people need help, we will help them,” he said. “But if you’re out there stealing because you can, we’re going to take care of you.” Prop 36 is intended to increase opportunities for people with addiction problems to get help. In certain cases, people who possess illegal drugs may be required to undergo treatment instead of going to prison. For more coverage of top California stories, click here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter