A group of lawmakers recently introduced a bill that seeks to aid in addressing organized retail crimes.
U.S> Reps. Young Kim (R-CA), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Maria Salazar (R-FL), and Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) recently detailed the Improving Federal Investigations of Organized Retail Crime Act (H.R. 316). The measure incorporates the efforts of the Department of Justice, the Department of Homeland Security, and the U.S. Postal Service, among others.
“In my district, we see businesses victimized by organized retail crime nearly every week,” Kim said. “This cannot become our new normal. I am proud to lead the Improving Federal Investigations of Organized Retail Crime Act to boost information sharing between the federal government, state and local law enforcement, and entities to address organized retail crime and hold these criminal networks accountable.”
The legislation seeks to increase collaboration with retailers, organized retail crime associations, and state-run retail crime task forces while aiding state and local authorities in compiling evidence for organized retail crime prosecution.
“Protecting our residents and businesses is key to Orange County’s economic success, and organized retail crime is a threat to that stability,” said Orange County Business Council President and CEO Jeff Ball. “Orange County Business Council is proud to support Rep. Kim’s continued focus on finding common sense solutions at the federal level that will make an impact to retailers locally.”
South Orange County Economic Coalition Executive Director Victoria Hernandez said organized retail crime threatens the safety and the economy of South County communities.
“The South Orange County Economic Coalition is proud to support Rep. Kim’s dedicated work to improve the federal response to these criminal acts so Orange County’s entrepreneurs can operate securely and confidently,” Hernandez said.