Zero cash bail to blame for 'brazen' smash and grab robberies in LA, police union says

Los Angeles' controversial zero cash bail policy is to blame for the recent surge in smash and grab robberies across the city, according to the union representing LAPD officers.

"The elimination of cash bail for these types of offenses is really an invitation to these kind of folks who are inclined to break the law and inclined to do it so brazenly, to push them over to say, 'hey, if I was to get caught, I'm going to be right back out again,'" Los Angeles Police Protective League spokesperson Tom Saggau told Fox News Digital. 

Zero cash bail, also known as no-cash bail or zero-dollar bail, refers to individuals who are arrested and charged with a crime then released from custody without having to pay any bail money upfront. 

The policy was first rolled out in LA during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to decrease jail crowding. It was terminated in July 2022, but a judge reinstated the policy in May after a class action lawsuit was filed by recent arrestees who couldn't afford to pay bail and had to remain in custody for a few extra days. 

The consequence of the policy has led to more smash and grab robberies across the city, law enforcement officials say, and suspects become repeat offenders when incidents are charged as misdemeanors. This was evident in the recent 'flash mob' robbery at a Topanga mall's Nordstrom over the weekend, Saggau said.