New Steps Against Organized Retail Crime in Pennsylvania

In the latest move to prevent organized retail crime (ORC), the Pennsylvania Senate passed House Bill 1720, which would make it a felony for anyone to participate in a retail crime scheme. On June 16, 2010, Governor Ed Rendell signed the bill into law, making it the most comprehensive legislation intended to combat theft crime syndicates. Before lawmakers voted to amend the law, authorities could only charge people who actually stole property. Common charges included shoplifting and larceny, but these were not necessarily effective in breaking up theft crime rings or punishing those who organized them.

Both the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association and the Pennsylvania Convenience Store Council supported the bill. It is estimated that organized theft rings steal more than $30 billion in retail goods annually. It is also suspected that stolen merchandise funds terrorist activities and supports illegal drug trafficking. Moreover, the Food Marketing Institute suggests that the state of Pennsylvania loses $81 million per year in tax revenue because of stolen merchandise.

Organized retail theft (ORT) is now classified as a third degree felony if the stolen merchandise is more than $5000 but less than $20,000. For higher value thefts, ORT can be charged as a second degree felony. This move was also meant to prevent organized crime rings from moving state to state without consequences as the new law puts Pennsylvania in line with penalties for such crimes in the neighboring states of New Jersey and New York. Congress is also contemplating similar legislation that would apply to interstate crimes.

In addition to ORC syndicates, the law targets illegitimate wholesalers and those who fraudulently return stolen property to retailers, as well as groups who sell stolen goods online.

If you have questions about the new law or have been charged in connection with a theft crime, an experienced criminal defense attorney can advise you of your rights and options.