COLUMBUS, Ohio – A new law signed by Governor Mike DeWine on Wednesday seeks to crack down on organized retail crime rings that cost Ohio retailers billions of dollars annually and drive up prices for consumers. The legislation, co-authored by Attorney General Dave Yost’s office, introduces stiffer penalties for offenders and establishes statewide initiatives to combat the issue.
“Consumers bear the cost when organized retail theft goes unchecked,” said Attorney General Yost. “With this law, we aim to make sure the thieves are the ones who pay the price.”
Key Provisions of the Law
The Fight Organized Retail Crime and Empower Law Enforcement Act creates a new felony offense of organized retail theft, with escalating penalties based on the value of stolen goods. Repeat offenders face 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 added. “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 law also establishes a task force under Yost’s Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission to investigate retail theft statewide. Additionally, an Organized Retail Theft Advisory Council will be formed, including representatives from law enforcement, the Ohio Council of Retail Merchants, and the Ohio Grocers Association, among others.
Economic Impact of Retail Theft
According to the Ohio Council of Retail Merchants, organized retail theft costs Ohio businesses between $2 billion and $3 billion annually. The crime often involves groups stealing large quantities of merchandise from multiple stores and reselling it for profit, forcing retailers to raise prices to offset losses.
Support for the Law
The legislation, sponsored by State Representative Haraz Ghanbari and State Senator George Lang, received praise from business leaders and law enforcement advocates.
- State Representative Haraz Ghanbari: “This legislation is a critical step in combating organized retail theft, providing law enforcement and prosecutors with the tools they need to hold offenders accountable and protect Ohio businesses.”
- State Senator George Lang: “I am grateful to see this important piece of legislation signed into law and once again show that Ohio is the most business-friendly state in the country. The FORCE Act will protect our retailers, customers, and communities.”
- Gordon Gough, president and CEO of the Ohio Council of Retail Merchants, lauded the law as making Ohio a leader in addressing retail crime. “We are extremely pleased with the passage of House Bill 366, known as the Fight Organized Retail Crime and Empower Law Enforcement Act. This law makes Ohio a leader in combating the scourge of organized retail crime afflicting retailers and consumers.
- Steve Stivers, president and CEO of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the benefits for Ohio’s economy: “The Ohio Chamber is grateful to Gov. DeWine for signing House Bill 366 into law. The statewide business community has long been concerned with rising crime levels, and our own research shows that crime discourages Ohio businesses from expanding. The new and enhanced penalties under this legislation mirror many of those recommended by our own Ohio Chamber Crime Task Force and will allow law enforcement to hold criminals accountable, while also helping to increase the growth and security of Ohio businesses. We especially applaud the work of Attorney General Dave Yost and his office to keep prosecutorial tools nimble as retail theft becomes increasingly more organized and sophisticated. Finally, we are proud of the advocacy efforts of our own Ohio Chamber Action Network members who contacted legislative offices and stressed the need for prompt action to address organized retail theft.”
