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Today, ICSC announced its support of S. 140, the “Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2023,” introduced by Senators Charles “Chuck” Grassley (R-IA) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV). The legislation establishes a coordinated multi-agency response and creates new tools to tackle evolving trends in organized retail crime (ORC). The bill is an important step toward addressing the growing problem of ORC, a crime that not only harms communities and retail centers but also threatens the safety of consumers and retail workers alike.
ORC involves a criminal enterprise employing a group of individuals (two or more) who steal substantial quantities of merchandise from a retailer(s). According to the National Retail Federation Security Survey, as much as $94 billion worth of merchandise was stolen from retailers in 2022.
The bipartisan “Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2023” creates a unified government and industry collaboration to address this escalating problem. The bill establishes a Center to Combat Organized Retail Crime at Homeland Security Investigations that combines expertise from state and local law enforcement agencies as well as retail industry representatives. It also creates new tools to assist in federal investigation and prosecution of organized retail crime and help recover lost goods and proceeds.
A companion bill is expected to be introduced next week in the House of Representatives.
The legislation is supported by ICSC, the National Retail Federation, the Retail Industry Leaders Association, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Peace Officers Research Association of California, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, Sergeants Benevolent Association NYPD and the PASS (Protect America’s Small Sellers) Coalition.
“Organized retail crime is leading to more brazen and more violent attacks in retail stores and centers throughout the country, putting employees and consumers at risk. In light of the increased number of attacks and lost revenue, we’re pleased that this legislation will broaden the statutes dealing with the transport of stolen goods and provide additional resources to law enforcement at both the federal and state level,” said Tom McGee, ICSC President and CEO.
In a recent survey of retail asset protection managers conducted by the Retail Industry Leaders Association, over 86% of respondents said retail associates had been verbally threatened with bodily harm, nearly 76% reported associates were physically assaulted or threatened with a weapon, and more than 40% of associates were harmed by a weapon used by an ORC criminal.
ICSC applauds this important development and supports enactment of the “Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2023” by Congress this year.
Click here for a summary of the legislation.
For more information contact ICSC Global Public Policy at gpp@icsc.com.