WASHINGTON — Numerous trade groups as well as online auctioneer eBay commended the House of Representatives for passing legislation that would create a division within the Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute organized retail crime and aid state and local law enforcement and prosecuting agencies.
The groups include the Food Marketing Institute, National Retail Federation, the Coalition Against Organized Retail Crime, and the Retail Industry Leaders Association.
The Organized Retail Crime Theft Investigation and Prosecution Act of 2010 (H.R. 5932), which still needs Senate approval, was sponsored by Reps. Bobby Scott, D-Va., John Conyers, D-Mich., Lamar Smith, R-Texas, and Bob Goodlatte, R-Va..
"Our customers' health and safety are at risk when criminals steal over-the-counter medications, diabetic supplies, infant formula and more from stores and then resell these products at flea markets, pawn shops and on internet auction sites," said Leslie G. Sarasin, president and chief executive officer, FMI, in a statement.
"This is strong bipartisan legislation to combat the serious problem of organized retail crime," NRF Senior Asset Protection Advisor Joseph LaRocca said. "The Organized Retail Theft Investigation and Prosecution Unit, working in close consultation with retailers, will be one of the keys to protecting both retailers and consumers against the massive economic costs and very real public health and safety risks posed by organized retail crime."
"Through passage of this legislation a critical first step has been taken toward combating organized retail crime and we commend Congress for their leadership and bipartisan support," said John Emling, senior vice president of government affairs, RILA.
"We encourage the Senate to help put ORC criminals out of business by passing the legislation before the end of the year," said the Coalition Against Organized Retail Crime.
