Representatives from more than 30 retailers joined a major industry lobbying group on Capitol Hill, as they ramped up pressure to pass a law that backers say will curb retail theft.
The National Retail Federation escalated its campaign to rally support for the bill, known as the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, which would make it easier to prosecute theft as a federal felony and set up a system for governments to share resources on crime. The retail lobby group dubbed its event"Fight Retail Crime Day.
The NRF and individual retailers have spoken more than ever in recent months about how retail crime affects their profits, their employees and their customers.found retailers' losses from theft are largely in line with historical trends, but most respondents reported violence associated with the acts is getting worse. Much of companies' lost inventory can also come fromThe Combating Organized Retail Crime Act was reintroduced earlier this year.
While retailers say organized retail crime could lead to higher prices for shoppers and store closures, many of the co-sponsors are focused on what retailers have said is escalating violence associated with the theft. The industry has also focused on the amount of stolen goods needed to prosecute as a felony depending on the location. Trade groups have said many crime rings know the law, and steal just enough to stay below it in each incident.
Some criminal justice experts have questioned whether lowering the threshold will reduce crime, and said enacting stiffer penalties could potentially hurt marginalized groups.