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Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I am asking for your support and co-sponsorship of the "rganized Retail Crime Act of 2009" introduced by Representatives Brad Ellsworth (D-IN) and Jim Jordan (R-OH). In brief, this legislation (H.R. 1173) clarifies what constitutes Organized Retail Crime and allows such crimes to be prosecuted as a federal felony. I would also urge your co-sponsorship of the "E-Fencing Enforcement Act of 2009", sponsored by Representative Bobby Scott (D-VA).

Organized Retail Crime or ORC is a growing problem that victimizes consumers and retailers alike. Nationwide, retail stores from supermarkets and pharmacies to department stores are being victimized by professional crime rings who are stealing large quantities of merchandise for resale through pawn shops, flea markets, swap meets, shady store-front operations and over internet auction sites.

These ORC gangs are pilfering infant formula, razor blades, analgesics, teeth whitening strips, diabetic supplies, batteries and gifts cards among other things. According to federal law enforcement officials, ORC translates into as much as $30 billion in retail store losses each year. So rampant is the problem that many grocery stores are placing infant formula and other products behind a service counter or in locked cases to deter theft. The collateral effect of ORC is that consumers are paying higher prices as companies such as mine attempt to recoup our losses. States suffer as well losing some $1.6 billion a year in uncollected state sales tax revenue due to ORC activity. Clearly, making ORC a federal felony is needed because antiquated state laws treat ORC as shoplifting which is a misdemeanor with little threat of prosecution or jail time. On behalf of our customers and employees who are at risk because of the brazen and violent nature of ORC rings, I urge you to co-sponsor H.R. 1173 and H.R. 1166. These bills will go a long way toward addressing this serious problem.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
July 31, 2009