Trenton, NJ – Governor Phil Murphy has enacted bipartisan legislation spearheaded by Senator Holly Schepisi to tackle the growing issue of organized retail crime. The new law targets the escalating threat by enhancing penalties for retail theft and improving law enforcement’s capacity to manage these offenses effectively.
Senator Schepisi highlighted the financial impact of organized retail crime, noting significant costs to businesses and increased consumer prices. She emphasized the safety risks employees face from organized theft groups, stating the new legislation aims to deter criminal organizations and enhance protections for both retailers and consumers.
The legislation, identified as Bill S-3587, introduces several changes to New Jersey’s legal framework regarding organized retail crime. These include regulations concerning the online sale of stolen goods, gift card fraud, and assaults on retail workers, along with additional provisions for prosecutors to aggregate shoplifting violations to determine the severity of offenses.
A notable aspect of the bill is its focus on gift card fraud, which has ties to organized crime in China and fentanyl production. It proposes stronger requirements for packaging and consumer notifications to address these issues. The legislation emphasizes community safety, ensuring retail employees and shoppers are protected from harm and tampering threats.