You have probably seen video of groups raiding retailers or photos of looted trucks and trains. This “organized retail theft” is the subject of a bill which has passed the Illinois General Assembly.
“It targets the biggest offenders, those stealing for profit, not those engaging in petty shoplifting,” said sponsor State Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs), “The language of the bill gives prosecutors updated tools to attempt to disrupt the organizer of the criminal enterprise.”
For example, the bill makes it easier to prosecute those who operate across more than one jurisdiction.
State Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) said the bill provides more protection for Big Retail than sex assault victims get, though only four representatives joined her in voting against the bill.