Balancing Accountability and Fairness – Norfolk’s New Shoplifting Ordinance

As your Councilman and someone who works daily within the juvenile justice system, advocating for our youth, I understand the importance of striking a balance between accountability and compassion. Tonight, the Norfolk City Council voted to adopt a new ordinance adding Section 29-11 to the City Code, specifically targeting acts associated with shoplifting.

This ordinance allows the City of Norfolk to locally address retail theft, including behaviors such as concealing merchandise, altering or switching price tags, and transferring goods from one container to another with the intent to defraud. These acts create real financial harm to our small businesses and local retailers, many of whom are already operating on tight margins. By enforcing these violations at the municipal level, the City can respond more efficiently and proportionately, without automatically escalating every case to the state level.

While I supported this ordinance as a necessary tool to protect our commercial corridors and economic health, I remain deeply committed to ensuring that our enforcement approach is fair and just. My experience in the juvenile justice system reminds me daily that one mistake, especially by a young person, should not define someone’s future.

I will continue championing restorative justice, community-based diversion, and second-chance opportunities as part of our city’s response to non-violent offenses. We cannot and must not allow our justice system to become a revolving door for individuals struggling with poverty, mental health, or systemic inequities.

Public safety and economic strength go hand-in-hand, as do equity and empathy. This ordinance is a step toward reinforcing our city’s values: protecting our businesses, holding individuals accountable, and making sure every resident, especially our youth, has a chance to grow, learn, and thrive.

As always, I welcome your feedback and remain committed to moving Norfolk together.

In service,

Councilman Carlos J. Clanton

Superward 7 – Norfolk City Council