Orange County billboard warns that "Crime doesn't pay in Orange County"

Todd Spitzer, Orange County District Attorney, recently launched a county-wide public safety campaign slogan called "Crime Doesn't Pay in Orange County," according to Fox 11 Los Angeles. The campaign consists of billboards, bus advertisements,  bumper stickers and digital marketing focused clearly on the message to potential criminals: "If you steal, we prosecute." 

The billboards are adjacent to several Los Angeles and Orange County highways. Spitzer started the campaign because most suspects arrested for theft in Orange County aren't locals according to ABC7 Los Angeles. 

The billboards are erected temporarily for about four weeks and are funded through federal asset forfeiture dollars instead of taxpayer money. Spitzer prioritizes combating crime and supporting public safety in Orange County and Los Angeles. 

According to Spitzer, the felons will be faced with full prosecution. He establishes a specialized task force for prosecuting burglaries completely from filing to conviction due to an uptick in crime.

The public safety advertisement campaigns are displayed on public transit buses in Los Angeles, Norwalk, Glendale and Long Beach. Bumper stickers and digital advertisements are accessible to cell phone users in Orange County, San Diego, Riverside and Los Angeles. 

About 38 million individuals are going to see the advertisements in just four weeks. The DOJ and the Department of Treasury Asset Forfeiture permit money confiscated from criminal operations to be used by police to pay for advertising to prevent crime.

"There is nothing more important than public safety," said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer according to Fox 11 LA. "My job – and the job of my prosecutors, investigators, and staff – is to keep you – and your loved ones safe. 

"When the risk is far less than the reward, it’s no surprise that criminals are committing smash and grabs, residential burglaries and simply walking out the front door of stores with arms full of stolen merchandise," Spitzer said.

"While you’re standing in line waiting to pay for your items. Crime doesn’t pay in Orange County. If you steal, we will prosecute. It’s that simple."