Assemblyman Alex Sauickie’s bill cracking down on the rise in organized retail theft and associated crimes passed the full Assembly on Thursday. 

The legislation (A4755/S3587) combats large-scale shoplifting enterprises from defrauding retailers and consumers, assaulting workers, and stealing goods for resale. In New Jersey, it’s estimated these criminal rings cost businesses $1.6 billion in 2021. Federal and state governments also lose nearly $15 billion in tax revenue.

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

Sauickie’s bill increases penalties for crimes like attempting to sell stolen property and repeated shoplifting, imposes packaging requirements to prevent gift card fraud, and directs the Attorney General’s Office to investigate and prosecute retail theft cases. 

Other states, including New York and Pennsylvania, have passed similar legislation stiffening penalties for organized retail crimes, which Sauickie says leaves New Jersey especially vulnerable. 

“I refuse to let New Jersey become a sitting duck for organized retail theft,” Sauickie said. 

The bill also increases fines and penalties for aggravated assault of a retail worker. 

“I want to discourage criminals from targeting New Jersey businesses, but we also need to protect retail workers who are being put at increased risk because of these crimes,” Sauickie said.

In an effort to help investigate and prosecute cases, the bill directs the attorney general to establish a unit, task force, or other appropriate office focused on coordinating with state and local law enforcement agencies.   

“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,’” he added.

The bill also requires companies to use more secure gift card packaging and the Division of Consumer Affairs to create retail signage on the risks of fraud.  

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

Gift card draining schemes involve thieves stealing numeric codes or swapping cards with counterfeit versions. Once a customer loads money onto the compromised card, the criminals can access and drain the balance online.

“Today’s action by the Assembly brings us one step closer to getting the law on the books and criminals off the streets. I am encouraged by the support on both sides of the aisle and hope to see the governor’s swift signature,” Sauickie said.