A coalition of 38 state Attorneys General, led by Attorney General Dave Sunday, has called on Congress to advance legislation aimed at combating the surge in organized retail crime across the United States. The bipartisan group has requested more resources for local and state law enforcement and tougher penalties for those convicted of supply chain thefts.
Organized retail crime has led to substantial financial impacts, with losses exceeding $121 billion nationally. Approximately 76% of retail asset protection managers have reported violent incidents against employees by organized retail criminals. In response to the growing threat, the Office of Pennsylvania Attorney General launched its Organized Retail Crime Unit last year, resulting in several significant investigations and arrests.
Recent cases include the arrest of two individuals involved in a multi-state generator theft ring and charges against a woman for stealing $22,000 worth of Apple products across Pennsylvania. Another case involved a sophisticated scheme involving Apple gift cards, leading to a state prison sentence for the perpetrator.
In light of these events, the coalition is pressing for the re-introduction of key legislation such as the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2023 and the Organized Retail Crime Center Authorization Act of 2023. These bills aim to strengthen federal penalties for supply chain thefts and establish a coordination center at the Department of Homeland Security to enhance information sharing and address the complex, cross-border nature of these crimes.
The initiative has drawn support from a wide range of states, reflecting the national concern over the impact of organized retail crime on community safety and economic stability.
