South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson has co-led a coalition of 38 states and territories in urging Congress to address the growing issue of organized retail crime. The bipartisan group is calling for legislative action to combat this trend, which has led to increased consumer prices, reduced product choices, and incidents of violence against store employees.
Attorney General Wilson stated, "Organized retail crime is not only resulting in higher prices and fewer choices for consumers, but these thugs are physically assaulting employees." He emphasized that the rise in such crimes has forced some stores to close due to financial losses and safety concerns.
The financial impact of organized retail crime is significant, with losses exceeding $121 billion nationwide. A majority of retail asset protection managers report incidents of employee violence by criminals involved in these activities. Cargo theft remains a key component of this problem, affecting supply chains and contributing to inflationary pressures on goods ranging from baby formula to clothing.
Legislation introduced during the 118th Congress aimed at tackling this issue includes H.R.895/S.140 – Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2023 and S.139 – Organized Retail Crime Center Authorization Act of 2023. These bills propose resources at both state and federal levels to prosecute those responsible for organized retail crime. The coalition now urges the 119th Congress to reintroduce similar legislation with enhanced penalties for supply chain thefts as a deterrent.
Several attorneys general have already formed task forces and prosecution units targeting organized retail crime. The coalition's letter highlights proposed legislation that would establish an Organized Retail Crime Coordination Center within the Department of Homeland Security, fostering information sharing crucial for addressing cross-border criminal activities.
Attorney General Wilson's co-leaders in this initiative include his counterparts from Connecticut, Georgia, and Illinois, along with attorneys general from numerous other states and territories including Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Dakota Tennessee U.S Virgin Islands Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia.