Businesses, employees, and shoppers in New Jersey will gain enhanced protection under a new law targeting organized retail theft rings. Signed by Governor Phil Murphy, the legislation enacts tougher penalties for repeat offenders and requires the attorney general to take proactive measures against retail theft.
Governor Murphy emphasized the national scope of the problem during a signing event in North Brunswick, stating, "With this legislation I am signing into law this morning we are going to protect the safety and financial well-being of our state’s business owners, retail workers and shoppers and introduce reforms to help deter organized retail theft in the years to come."
The law, A-4755/S-3587, won broad support from several business associations, including the New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA), as well as local chambers of commerce. Michele Siekerka, NJBIA's president, praised the legislation, noting, "The increased penalties for these illegal operators, the added consumer protections and legal resources dedicated to prosecuting and deterring these crimes as part of this new law are a win-win-win for all."
The bill, which had unanimous legislative approval, was sponsored by Senator John Burzichelli and Assemblyman Joe Danielsen. It introduces stricter penalties for retail theft, such as upgrading simple assault to aggravated assault against retail employees and severe consequences for leaders of retail theft enterprises.
Senator Burzichelli pointed out the organized nature of these thefts, describing them as operations by professional shoplifters supported by criminal organizations, which have grown into a billion-dollar enterprise. Concerns about the frequency of thefts and associated violence have been echoed by the New Jersey Retail Merchants Association and its president, John Holub.
Linda Doherty from the New Jersey Food Council emphasized the defiant stance New Jersey is taking against retail crime. She remarked, "We are fighting a behemoth operation of professional thieves that are methodically moving from one town to another in New Jersey, and across state lines, stealing merchandise off shelves and reselling them in the gray marketplace."
Christina Renna from the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey also supported the legislation for its role in enhancing retailer and consumer protections, stating that it creates a safer and more thriving economic environment.
The legislation additionally addresses gift card fraud by requiring merchants to secure gift cards and display notices to prevent such fraud. The attorney general is also tasked with devising effective strategies to investigate and deter organized retail theft.
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