The New Jersey Assembly passed a bill cracking down on the rise in organized retail theft and associated crimes, sending it to Democratic Gov. Phul Murphy for his consideration.
A-4755/S-3587 combats large-scale shoplifting enterprises from defrauding retailers and consumers, assaulting workers, and stealing goods for resale. It increases penalties for crimes like attempting to sell stolen property and repeated shoplifting, imposes packaging requirements to prevent gift card fraud, and directs the Attorney General’s Office to investigate and prosecute retail theft cases.
In New Jersey, it’s estimated these criminal rings cost businesses $1.6 billion in 2021. Federal and state governments also lose nearly $15 billion in tax revenue.
“Organized retail theft is a major concern because it impacts the economy, people’s access to goods and the prices they pay, and public safety. It’s time we address the threat to our businesses, communities, employees and consumers,” Assemblyman Alex Sauickie, R-Ocean, said in a release.
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