Lawmakers Demand Urgent DHS Response to Growing Retail Theft Crisis

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A coalition of bipartisan legislators is urging the Department of Homeland Security to address the growing issue of organized retail theft.

At a Glance

Over 80 House lawmakers are urging the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to address organized retail crime (ORC).
ORC poses risks including violence during theft, health risks from stolen goods, and economic impacts.
ORC caused nearly $70 billion in financial losses for U.S. retailers in 2019.
Lawmakers, led by Rep. David Joyce, R-Ohio, are requesting updates from DHS on efforts to combat ORC.
The proposed coordination center aims to improve information sharing, resource allocation, and strategic planning.

Bipartisan Effort to Combat Organized Retail Theft

Over 80 House lawmakers are calling for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to take decisive action against organized retail crime (ORC). These lawmakers have highlighted the various threats posed by ORC, from violence and health risks to significant economic impacts, urging the DHS to step up efforts to confront these sophisticated criminal enterprises.

The House members are spearheaded by Rep. David Joyce, R-Ohio, who is requesting regular updates from the DHS regarding their anti-ORC measures and the progress of the established yet not fully operational coordination center meant to tackle this epidemic.

The proposed coordination center is envisioned to enhance information sharing, resource allocation, and strategic planning, which would lead to more effective prevention and enforcement actions. This center signifies a critical component of the broader strategy against ORC, encompassing both reactive and proactive measures.

Key Retail Theft Bills Pass Legislature with Bipartisan Supporthttps://t.co/Z50aW9CNux

— Vanguard News Group (@DavisVanguard) August 13, 2024

The Economic and Public Safety Impact

Organized retail crime poses an extensive range of risks, among which is the endangerment of public safety. These risks often extend beyond the immediate violence associated with the thefts to include health hazards, given that stolen goods such as pharmaceuticals and baby formula may be improperly stored or tampered with. Legislators stressed these points in a letter, noting the intersectional impacts of ORC on both individuals and communities.

“The risk of ORC is not only due to the violence oftentimes displayed during the act of retail theft, especially to retail workers, but also health risks posed by consuming stolen goods like baby formula or pharmaceuticals, which may be improperly stored or tampered with prior to the final purchase by a consumer,” legislators wrote in a letter.

Economic impacts also loom large. A statement from several lawmakers highlighted that ORC caused nearly $70 billion in financial losses for U.S. retailers in 2019 alone, a figure that has swollen in subsequent years. Such losses affect businesses of all sizes, communities, and consumers across the nation.

Lawmakers @ChuckGrassley & @RepLoudermilk demand answers on redacted DHS reports. Is Congress being kept in the dark? https://t.co/85b76P233K

— GovExec (@GovExec) August 23, 2024

Legislation and Future Steps

Legislative initiatives represent a key front in the battle against ORC. Rep. Joyce and other lawmakers have been pivotal in seeking funding through the House Appropriations Committee’s homeland security panel. This began as a bipartisan bill and has seen contributions from members across the aisle. Further collaboration is planned at the state level, with Speaker Robert Rivas collaborating to advance retail theft legislation and enhance public safety measures in California.

“Californians have spoken loud and clear: They want to feel safe, whether it’s when they’re shopping, walking down the street or going to the park with their kids. These bills are a turning point for California. We are saying enough is enough on organized retail theft. I thank my Assembly colleagues for protecting shoppers, workers and business owners by passing these bills out of the Assembly. Now that we’ve taken action, I expect the Senate to move quickly and send these bills to the Governor for signature.”