Missouri lawmakers heard legislation that would increase the penalties for stealing merchandise from Missouri businesses.
Rep. Lane Roberts (R-Joplin), sponsor of HB 277, shared with members of the House Crime and Public Safety Committee the importance of establishing the offense of organized retail theft. Organized retail theft occurs when an individual or group commits a series of thefts of retail merchandise online or in person.
Organized retail theft would be a Class C felony if the amount stolen in a 120-day period is between $1,500 and $10,000. The charge increases to a Class B felony if the value is over $10,000.
Businesses throughout the state are impacted by rising crime rates. In the Missouri Chamber’s most recent CEO survey, 90% of respondents said they are concerned with public safety and 70% believe crime is hurting the state’s economic competitiveness.
“We have teams that are hitting our stores, sometimes 20 stores in a day,” said Matt Redmond, director of security for Schnuck Markets, Inc. “We have groups from out of state targeting our area.”
Cade Tremain, manager of governmental affairs for the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, testified in favor of the bill.
“Organized retail theft is leaving Missouri businesses and business owners in unexpected financial hardship,” Tremain said. “Organized retail theft also deters existing businesses from growing strong roots in Missouri and deters new businesses from coming into Missouri.”
For more information, contact Tremain at ctremain@mochamber.com or 573-634-3511.
