November 2, 2009 Movement to make organized retail crime a federal offense Play video

(NECN: Ally Donnelly, Braintree, Mass.) - Lawmakers and law enforcement around the country, and here in New England, are joining forces to address the increasing issue of organized retail crime, described as when rings of thieves steal items to sell everywhere from flea markets to the internet.

Authorities say organized retail crime costs retailers and estimated $30 billion each year -- costs that eventually get passed on to the consumer.

"This is not petty theft, this is not about shoplifting. When we talk about organized crime that's exactly what it is," Rep. William Delahunt said.

Retailers, police and legislators stood a united front at South Shore Plaza in Braintree, Massachusetts Monday. They were out to support bills in motion on the state and federal level cracking down on organized retail crime.

"Some of these crime rings send funding back to groups like drug traffickers, terrorism groups," Jon Hurst said.

Hurst, with the Retailers Association of Massachusetts, said thieves steal everything from electronics to infant formula and then sell them at pawn shops, flea markets and on the internet -- costing retailers an estimated $30 billion a year.

"They go from state to state, jurisdiction to jurisdiction, really trying to stay one step ahead of the law," Hurst said. "We're paying for it in terms of higher prices at check out, no question about it."

Authorities say thieves consider the stealing low risk high reward crimes.

Right now in Massachusetts, for example, they can only be charged with shoplifting or larceny. Authorities say they plan to work together to change that.

"If you're caught in Massachusetts, you'll be prosecuted like you've never been prosecuted before," Rep. Joe Driscoll said.

He and Congressman Bill Delahunt are among sponsors of a number of bills that would define organized retail crime as a federal crime for the first time -- they hope to stiffen penalties for thieves and make online auction sites like ebay more accountable for what goods pass through their channels.

"Give law enforcement the tools they need to investigate these individuals and then, on the other end, give prosecutors the tools to properly charge them and in case of properly charging them, put them behind bars," Rep. Driscoll said.

A public hearing has already been held on the local bill. The Federal Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security will hear testimony on Thursday.