March 1, 2025 – In a coordinated effort to call for stiffer penalties regarding organized retail crime, Attorney General Tim Griffin and 37 other AGs are urging congress to impose stricter penalties for organized retail crime acts.
“Arkansas has been a leader on organized retail crime for the past two years, and I have made it a priority in my office,” said Griffin in a statement.
“Last year I hired a full-time organized retail crime investigator, and before that I joined with Homeland Security Investigations and several neighboring states to form an Organized Retail Crime Alliance. We’ve already seen multiple busts and arrests as a result of our focused efforts. This legislation we are asking Congress to pass will help us in our local fight against organized retail crime. The more tools we have in bringing these criminals to justice, the more success we will have in keeping our communities, our roadways, and our places of business safe, and the more we can prevent crimes that pass on costs to consumers.”
Organized retail crime has left a substantial impact on financial losses in the country, totaling over $121 billion in the U.S.
The sum amount is a reflection of retail locations, and those who see first-hand how retail crime and violence is linked.
According to a release, 76% of retail asset protection managers have reported that their employees have dealt with violent confrontations at the hands of those involved in organized retail crimes.
Across the nation, cargo theft is still a major component of organized retail crime.
It alters supply chains and constantly adds inflationary pressure to the price of numerous products from baby formula to clothing.
To address this matter, the coalition is urging the 199th Congress to bring back legislations H.R. 895/S.140 – Combatting Organized Crime Act of 2023 and S. 139 – Organized Retail Crime Center Authorization Act of 2023.
It seeks to specifically include stiffer federal penalties into legislation for supply chain thefts.
The potential change will strengthen regulations and serve as a more impactful deterrent against organized theft of goods in transit.
In addition to Arkansas, attorneys general from Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, U.S. Virgin Islands, Washington, and West Virginia have joined in.
The letter was co-led by AGs from Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, and South Carolina.
By Scott Solomon, KATV
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