Gallego Pushes for Action to Fight Organized Retail Crime
PHOENIX, AZ – Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) called for action to combat organized retail crime – the coordinated, large-scale theft of retail merchandise with the intention to resell that merchandise for financial gain – and touted his efforts in Congress to protect Arizonans and end these crime rings at a press conference today.
“During the holiday season, Arizona families rely on grocery, drug, and retail stores more than ever,” said Rep. Gallego. “Organized retail crime reduces choice for consumers, puts workers in harm’s way, and hurts our economy. That’s why I’m fighting to ensure the federal government steps in to break up these crime rings and help state and local law enforcement on the ground.”
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Joining Rep. Gallego at the press conference was leadership from the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the Arizona Retailers Association, and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. “Organized retail crime and illicit trade are becoming a real and growing threat to Arizona businesses, workers, and taxpayers,” said Danny Seiden, President and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry. “We’re appreciative of Rep. Gallego for making it a priority to address this important issue, and we stand ready to work with his office and his colleagues in Congress to find effective solutions.” “The retail industry is grateful for Congressman Gallego’s support of the federal legislation, the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act. Attacking these crimes by coordinating efforts between retailers, law enforcement and prosecutors at the federal, state and local level is the best approach to solving cases, capturing criminals and stemming the tide of these crimes that are negatively impacting our communities, our retail employees and the pocketbooks of every American,” said Michelle Ahlmer, Executive Director, Arizona Retailers Association. Organized retail crime regularly involves a larger criminal enterprise that converts stolen goods into cash through physical and online marketplaces. In 2022, Arizona retailers lost an estimated $1.5 billion in revenue to theft. The State of Arizona lost out on $84 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft, reducing funding that provides vital services to Arizona families. In October, Rep. Gallego announced his support for the bipartisan Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, legislation to empower federal law enforcement to address organized retail crime groups targeting American businesses and consumers. He previously sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland and FBI Director Christopher Wray requesting their agencies increase efforts to re-prioritize and counter an alarming rise in organized retail crime nationwide. |