Congresswoman Schrier Recognized as Washington Retail Crime Fighter by the National Retail Federation

ISSAQUAH, WA – Organized retail crime has become increasingly prevalent across the United States, threatening local businesses and jobs, putting employees and customers at risk, and fueling transnational criminal organizations’ illicit activities, including human, drug, and weapons trafficking. To address this issue, Congresswoman Schrier has co-sponsored the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, a bipartisan, bicameral bill that takes steps to crack down on organized retail crime. For these efforts, Congresswoman Schrier is being recognized by the National Retail Federation as Washington's Retail Crime Fighter.

This bill cracks down on organized retail crime by establishing a Coordination Center located within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), combining expertise from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies along with the private sector to create a national strategy to curb organized retail crime including increased penalties. 

It is estimated that organized retail crime costs the US nearly $70 billion annually, robbing retailers of $720,000 for every $1 billion in sales. Recognizing this is a commonly and increasingly heard issue in the Eighth District with law enforcement and retailers, Rep. Schrier reached out to key stakeholders in the district and got detailed feedback from stakeholders that she then brought back to Congress to help shape this bill. 

“I’ve heard from law enforcement, local businesses, and constituents throughout the Eighth District who are concerned about the rise and impact of organized retail crime,'' said Congresswoman Kim Schrier. “This is a serious issue - not only does organized retail crime harm local businesses and threaten our public safety, but the money stolen in these crimes helps to fund other illegal activities that further increase crime in our communities. I’ve proudly worked alongside local law enforcement to combat this issue by securing federal funds to make sure our officers are well-equipped and by pushing legislation like the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act.”

“Organized Retail Theft is a growing problem in the region that affects everyone,” said Covington Police Chief Adam Easterbrook. “We appreciate Congresswoman Schrier meeting with us to discuss finding solutions to this problem.”

“The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is serious about tackling organized retail theft,” said King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion. “We’ve heard very clearly from our partners – law enforcement, retailers, and community – about the impact of retail crimes, which can have significant negative financial consequences on businesses of all sizes. The Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is committed to doing our part to address these crimes wherever they occur in King County.”

“There is no singular solution – or entity – that can effectively and single-handedly push back against those committing organized retail crime in our communities," said Vice President of Washington Organized Retail Crime Association Carl Kleinknecht. "A broad-spectrum approach that harnesses the leadership of our elected officials in combination with the coordinated, persistent efforts of retailers, loss prevention officers, police officers, and prosecutors will hold criminals accountable for their actions and increase safety for employees and shoppers. The solution isn’t the responsibility of “someone else”, the solution is “all of us”.