Over 75 House lawmakers demand answers on the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) efforts to combat organized retail crime (ORC), which has caused billions in losses and posed health risks to consumers.
Concerned about the increasing prevalence of organized retail crime (ORC), a bipartisan group of over 75 House lawmakers has sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) demanding updates on its efforts to address the problem. ORC has become a significant issue for cities and states across the country, causing billions in financial losses and posing health risks to consumers.
Led by Rep. David Joyce (R-Ohio), the lawmakers highlighted the alarming risks associated with ORC, including the violence often involved in retail thefts and the potential health hazards posed by the consumption of stolen goods like baby formula or pharmaceuticals. The consumption of stolen food and beverages can also be dangerous, as they may be improperly stored or tampered with, exposing consumers to health risks.
Lawmakers Press DHS on Rampant Organized Retail Crime
Beyond public safety concerns, ORC also poses a serious threat to businesses, particularly small and independent retailers. According to a report by the Retail Industry Leaders Association, ORC caused nearly $70 billion in financial losses due to stolen goods from U.S. retailers in 2019. This number has continued to rise annually, impacting businesses of all sizes, communities, and consumers.
The lawmakers specifically called on the DHS Homeland Security Investigations office to establish an organized retail crime coordination center. They argued that such a center would significantly enhance law enforcement and businesses' abilities to mitigate the threats posed by sophisticated criminal networks involved in ORC. By facilitating better information sharing, resource allocation, and strategic planning, the center could lead to more effective prevention and enforcement actions.
Lawmakers Press DHS on Rampant Organized Retail Crime
ORC has become a bipartisan issue as crime rings spread to more U.S. towns and cities. The letter sent to DHS was signed by 46 Republicans and 30 Democrats, indicating the widespread concern over the escalating problem.
Rep. Joyce, who previously led the subcommittee gavel for the House Appropriations Committee's homeland security panel, has been a vocal advocate for addressing ORC. He was instrumental in advancing legislation that provided funding for an organized retail crime coordination center in fiscal 2024. This push originated as a bipartisan bill led by Joyce, former Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.), Rep. Dina Titus (D-Nev.), and Rep. Susie Lee (D-Nev.).
Lawmakers Press DHS on Rampant Organized Retail Crime
As ORC continues to impact communities across the country, lawmakers and law enforcement agencies are stepping up their efforts to combat the problem. The establishment of an organized retail crime coordination center at DHS would be a significant step in addressing the issue and protecting businesses and consumers from the harmful effects of organized retail crime.
