TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senators Paul Sarlo and John Girgenti, which creates the “Organized Retail Theft Task Force,” to help develop ways to address the problem of organized retail theft in New Jersey has been signed into law by Governor Corzine.
“When these theft rings collaborate to rob stores of thousands of dollars worth of merchandise, consumers suffer because they end up picking up the slack by paying higher prices for the items they buy,” said Senator Sarlo, D-Bergen, Essex and Passaic. “With the holiday season being in full swing, consumers are looking for bargains. This task force would identify ways to put an end to these theft rings, and allow businesses to keep their prices at lower, more reasonable levels.”
“The effects of organized retail theft are of real concern to retailers – especially small business owners,” said Senator Girgenti, D-Bergen and Passaic. “These theft rings not only place undue strain on the pockets of consumers and store owners, but they also pose a threat to the safety and security of all who are in the store. Through this law’s provisions, we can deter this kind of crime, and protect the physical and financial safety of our residents.”