South Cook News

State Sen. John Curran (R-Downers Grove) is the leading Republican sponsor of bipartisan legislation to address organized retail theft in Illinois. Criminals stole $4 billion worth of goods from Illinois retailers in 2020.

"These are sophisticated criminal theft enterprises, and the provisions of Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 1091 should serve as a strong deterrent," Curran posted on his website. "And of even greater importance, the legislation empowers our law enforcement officials to get these criminals off the street and held accountable for their actions."

Curran said the bill promotes coordination between different jurisdictions.

"The multi-jurisdictional approach to this legislation strips away any perceived shield these criminals think they may enjoy by acting in one particular location, as these organized operations ultimately result in stolen goods being transported and resold throughout the state," Curran said. "Often times, the individuals who commit the actual theft of goods are lower-level participants in the chain. Through this new robust approach, law enforcement can coordinate with local, state and federal authorities to bring all participants to justice, from the planners and perpetrators of the crime, to those who transport and sell the goods either online or in a different location."

According to a news release on Curran's website, the bill "is the result of a collaborative effort between the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, the Attorney General's Office, and legislators and staff from both chambers of the Senate." 

If the legislation passes the Senate, it will return to the House for consideration of Senate Amendment 1.

Criminals stole $4 billion worth of goods from Illinois retailers in 2020, ABC7 Chicago reported. House Republican Leader Jim Durkin (R-Burr Ridge) has called organized retail theft groups "sophisticated" and "fearless" and has criticized Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx for "sticking her head in the sand."

Rob Karr, president and CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, told Fox 32 that many stolen items end up being sold on popular online resale platforms, such as Facebook Marketplace. Karr noted that organized retail theft has increased by 60% over the last 5 years, "particularly in areas where criminals perceive law enforcement to be lax."

Karr supports Curran's legislation, stating, “Inaction and half measures will not suffice, lest we continue to surrender to criminals exploiting the current loopholes in our laws. Working in partnership with the Illinois Attorney General’s office, we have helped craft a comprehensive proposal that will bring about real change by investing in law enforcement, holding criminals responsible, and making it tougher to resell stolen goods.”