Relates to the prevention of organized retail crime

1 Co-sponsor

• David J. Valesky

BILL NUMBER:S6956A

Title of bill

An act to amend the penal law, in relation to the prevention of organized retail crime

Purpose or general idea of bill

This bill defines organized retail crime, adds to the general business law the crime of theft of retail merchandise with an aggregated value of $1,000, and makes corresponding changes to the penal law to define such crime as grand larceny in the fourth degree.

Summary of provisions

Section One amends section 155.30 of the penal law by adding new subdivisions 12 and 13. Pursuant to section 12, grand larceny in the fourth degree shall include the stealing of property from a retail mercantile establishment when the aggregated value of price tags, sticker tags, or otherwise advertised retail prices of such property exceeds one thousand dollars. Subdivision 13 provides that the aggregate amount for grand larceny in the fourth degree with regard to theft of retail merchandise can be calculated by including property that is stolen over a thirty day period by one or more persons working in association.

Section Two is the effective date.

Justification

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, organized retail theft is an industry that costs United States retailers about $30 billion per year. Organized retail crime comprises a wide spectrum of high-volume and highly organized theft rings that cost New York retailers hundreds of millions of dollars annually and, more importantly, compromises the health, safety, and welfare of unsuspecting New York consumers. For every item stolen, New York state and our local governments lose out on sales tax revenue- again, adding up to millions annually. Organized retail theft is the most serious security issue facing many retail merchants, including apparel and accessory retailers, mass merchandisers, do-it-yourself stores, drug stores, and supermarkets. It's a crime that has grown substantially over the past decade and has continued to grow at unprecedented levels. Retailers are forced to offset these significant costs through higher prices - meaning that honest and consumers are forced to endure the impact of organized retail theft and professional shoplifters. The highly intelligent criminals engaged in organized retail crime are aware of the monetary limitations under our penal system and intentionally steal merchandise under these limits in each store. This legislation would give law enforcement an additional tool in curbing this form of organized crime.

Legislative history

None.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the first of November next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law.