The Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee on Thursday unanimously advanced Assemblyman Alex Sauickie’s bill combating the rise in organized retail theft. 

In New Jersey, criminal rings defrauding retailers and stealing goods for resale cost businesses $1.6 billion in 2021. These large-scale shoplifting enterprises significantly drove the $112 billion businesses lost nationwide in 2023.

“Organized retail theft is a major concern because it impacts the economy, people’s access to goods, and public safety. It’s time we address the threat to the economy, our communities, employees and consumers,” Sauickie (R-Ocean) said. 

Sauickie’s bill (A4755) increases penalties for leading retail theft rings, repeated shoplifting, assaulting a retail worker and attempting to sell stolen goods. 

Other states, including New York and Pennsylvania, have passed similar legislation, which Sauickie says leaves New Jersey especially vulnerable. 

“I refuse to let New Jersey become a sitting duck for organized retail theft,” Sauickie said. “These criminals don’t stop at stealing. Their profits can be used to fund human trafficking, drug trafficking, or even terrorist activity. That’s why it’s so important that we create a system that allows law enforcement agencies to more easily share pertinent retail theft information.”

Sauickie’s bill creates a dedicated unit in the Attorney’s General Office to assist prosecutors in pursuing cases of organized retail crimes.

“Unwitting consumers are being put at risk by criminals who are not only selling stolen goods online, but tampering with gift cards in stores. Certain cards are more susceptible to fraud and consumers should be made aware of the dangers,” Sauickie said. 

Gift cards that can be used at multiple retailers are more vulnerable to fraud because they have fewer restrictions. Thieves are known to tamper with gift cards, steal numeric codes, or swap them with counterfeit versions. Once a customer loads money onto the compromised card, the criminals can access and drain the balance online.

To prevent gift card fraud, Sauickie’s bill requires more secure card packaging. Additionally, retailers must post signage on the risks of fraud and keep more detailed records on the sale of gift cards. 

“My legislation aims to not only discourage criminals from targeting New Jersey businesses, but also protect retail workers and consumers,” Sauickie said. “I am encouraged to see the support from my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and would like to see the momentum continue so we can get this law on the books and criminals off the streets.”