ICYMI: NRF Expert Testifies Before House Hearing on Retail Crime

(PRESS RELEASE) WASHINGTON — The House Homeland Security Committee Counterterrorism, Law Enforcement, and Intelligence Subcommittee held a hearing titled “From Festive Cheer to Retail Fear: Addressing Organized Retail Crime.”

Ahead of the hearing, NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay appeared on Fox Business’ “Cavuto: Coast to Coast” with David Asman to talk about organized retail crime and the need for federal legislation.

NRF Vice President of Asset Protection and Retail Operations David Johnston testified on behalf of the retail industry. A copy of his written statement for the record can be viewed here and a recording of the full hearing is available here.

On ORC’s Alarming Growth:
Johnston: “Despite some recent press articles that look to downplay ORC or argue about data, it is abundantly clear from retailers’ experience with ORC that the criminal activities we witness in stores across the nation and the incidents of violence tied to them are on the rise.”

On the Widespread Impact of ORC:
Johnston: “Retail theft is not a victimless crime. It impacts jobs, consumers and communities in several ways. Increased violence involving theft has caused injury to employees and consumers, the unfortunate death of some retail associates, and a fear of working or shopping in high-crime locations. This makes it difficult for retailers to retain or find labor to support consumers.”

On the Need for Federal Support:
Johnston: “We need government at every level to take actions that curtail the ability and opportunity for these criminal organizations to profit from stolen merchandise, and to send the signal that this type of criminal activity will no longer be tolerated.”

As the leading authority and voice for the retail industry, NRF has long advocated for policy solutions, including the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, to stifle the threat of retail crime in stores large and small across the country. NRF will continue to highlight this critical issue on behalf of the industry with media, lawmakers and other stakeholders to prioritize the safety of retail customers, employees and the communities they serve.