Minnesota lawmakers are considering a bill that would crack down on retail theft, but it’s not just about stealing a candy bar, a shirt, or lipstick from your local store.
Minnesota State Senator Ron Latz is part of a bipartisan effort to crack down on “organized retail theft” throughout the state, as he says, “the problem has gotten worse over the years.”
“The stuff that gets taken gets moved very quickly. The channels are in operation. A lot of it goes out of state,” Latz said.
The bill would differentiate more clearly what’s considered theft, allowing for the state to attack the crime in different ways.
Minnesota Retail Association President Bruce Nustad spoke with News Talk 830 WCCO’s Vineeta Sawkar, noting that 34 other states have similar laws on the books.
“Investigators, law enforcement, and prosecutors can look at that crime differently through a different lens and process it differently,” Nustad said.
