in los angeles county, California, what is the monetary amount for petty theft before someone gets arrested?

In California, petty theft is defined as stealing property valued at $950 or less. However, whether or not someone gets arrested for petty theft can depend on various factors, such as jurisdiction policies and the circumstances surrounding the incident. Not every case of petty theft results in an arrest; sometimes, law enforcement may issue a citation instead of making an arrest, especially for first-time offenders. Ultimately, the decision to arrest can vary by situation and law enforcement discretion.