Buckeye Reporter

Legislation designed to combat organized retail theft has been signed into law in Ohio. Co-written by the office of Attorney General Dave Yost, the new law was approved by Governor Mike DeWine. The initiative aims to address crime rings responsible for stealing billions of dollars worth of merchandise from retailers across the state.

"Consumers bear the cost when organized retail theft goes unchecked," said Yost. "With this law, we aim to make sure the thieves are the ones who pay the price."

The legislation, known as the Fight Organized Retail Crime and Empower Law Enforcement Act, introduces stricter criminal penalties for theft rings and establishes a statewide task force and advisory council within Yost's office. It was developed in collaboration with the Ohio Council of Retail Merchants and Ohio Chamber of Commerce. State Representative Haraz Ghanbari and State Senator George Lang sponsored the bill.

Organized retail theft reportedly costs Ohio businesses between $2 billion and $3 billion annually, according to estimates from the Ohio Council of Retail Merchants. These crimes typically involve groups stealing large quantities of merchandise from various stores to sell for profit, forcing some retailers to raise prices.

The new law creates a felony offense specifically for organized retail theft with penalties based on stolen merchandise value. Repeat offenders will face harsher consequences, including a minimum fourth-degree felony charge if they have a prior felony-theft conviction within three years.

"These criminals rely on safety in numbers, but it’s a false sense of security," Yost noted. "We now can charge them as a group, making it easier to convict and imprison thieves who target retailers as part of a crime ring."

The legislation also establishes a task force under Yost’s Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission to tackle organized retail theft throughout Ohio. Additionally, an Organized Retail Theft Advisory Council will be formed with members including representatives from several associations related to prosecution and retail.

Statements from key figures express strong support for House Bill 366:

"I am honored and excited to see House Bill 366, the FORCE Act, signed into law by Gov. Mike DeWine," said one supporter. "This legislation is a critical step in combating organized retail theft."

Another statement praised Ohio's business-friendly environment: "I am grateful to see this important piece of legislation signed into law... The FORCE Act will protect our retailers, customers and communities."

"We are extremely pleased with the passage... This law makes Ohio a leader in combating...organized retail crime afflicting retailers and consumers," stated another backer.

The Ohio Chamber also expressed appreciation: "The statewide business community has long been concerned with rising crime levels... We especially applaud the work of Attorney General Dave Yost."