Smash-and-grabs, California, and the limits of criminal justice reform

Dozens of high-profile retail thefts across the United States are raising questions as prosecutors seek to balance criminal justice reform and combating modern-day organized crime.

Walk down Rodeo Drive with Todd Johnson, and he’ll point out security measures that are helping one of the world’s luxury centers prevent “smash-and-grab” thefts assailing shopping districts from New York to San Francisco.

Stepping close to the Gucci storefront window, he taps his knuckle against the thick glass. “Bulletproof,” says the president of the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce. It explains why burglars who...