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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Thomas Caltagirone |
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Governor signs Caltagirone organized retail theft bill into law
HARRISBURG, June 18 – Gov. Rendell this week signed into law state Rep. Tom Caltagirone's bill making it a crime to participate in organized retail theft.
The new law (Act No. 33) will make it a felony to participate, in any role, in organized retail theft schemes, which can cost retailers $5,000 to $10,000 at a time.
"These organizations, many of which operate across state lines, overwhelm retailers with large numbers of shoplifters simultaneously," said Caltagirone, D-Berks. "They may target the same store more than once, knowing they can risk the arrest of one or some of the group members and still carry out the job.
"I want to thank my colleagues and the governor for their support of my legislation, which will most definitely help curb this type of retail theft."
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