COLUMBUS, Ohio – A new law signed by Governor Mike DeWine on Wednesday seeks to crack down on organized retail crime rings that cost Ohio retailers billions of dollars annually and drive up prices for consumers. The legislation, co-authored by Attorney General Dave Yost’s office, introduces stiffer penalties for offenders and establishes statewide initiatives to combat the issue.
“Consumers bear the cost when organized retail theft goes unchecked,” said Attorney General Yost. “With this law, we aim to make sure the thieves are the ones who pay the price.”
Key Provisions of the Law
The Fight Organized Retail Crime and Empower Law Enforcement Act creates a new felony offense of organized retail theft, with escalating penalties based on the value of stolen goods. Repeat offenders face a minimum fourth-degree felony charge if they have a prior felony theft conviction within three years.
“These criminals rely on safety in numbers, but it’s a false sense of security,” Yost added. “We now can charge them as a group, making it easier to convict and imprison thieves who target retailers as part of a crime ring.”…