SOUTH JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — Retail theft has been a big problem for stores throughout New Jersey. A new bill in Trenton targets organized crime networks that have been doing the bulk of the damage.
This legislation, which has received committee approval, would increase penalties for organized theft groups and assaults on store employees.
During testimony in Trenton last week, John Holub, president of the New Jersey Retail Merchant Association, emphasized that this isn’t about the “casual shoplifter stealing a pack of gum.” This is high-level theft.
“This is addressing highly sophisticated, highly organized criminal enterprises that are attacking our retailers,” he said. “In the last few years, the frequency we’re having these thefts take place — and ... the level of violence that our sales associates are facing — is extremely troubling.”
Jason Ravitz and his family run ShopRite stores in South Jersey, and he said their employees have been traumatized time after time.
“I’ve been there when knives have been pulled on our employees over bags of frozen shrimp and baby formula,” he said. “I have comforted employees living in uncertainty after being attacked by a shoplifter wielding a used hypodermic needle. I have consoled anxious store managers constantly looking over their shoulder after stopping a high-dollar thief who promised to return later with a gun.”
Ravitz said thieves knowingly take advantage of gaps in theft laws. Sponsors of the bill noted that other states have similar laws on the books, so out-of-state criminals have been crossing the bridge to the Garden State.
In addition to increased penalties, the bill would also create a retail theft unit within the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office.
The legislation has significant bipartisan support and is likely to pass when it’s brought for a full vote.