Gov. Murphy signs bill to protect New Jersey businesses against retail theft
Legislation Expands on Commitment to Create Safer Communities for Businesses, Retail Workers, and Consumers
NEW JERSEY – Governor Phil Murphy Tuesday signed A4755/S3587, which establishes and upgrades certain crimes related to retail theft, provides that repeat offenders can be sentenced to extended prison terms, addresses gift card fraud, and requires the Attorney General to take actions to combat organized retail theft.
“No business owner or retail worker should have to fear for their safety or endure the financial loss caused by organized retail theft,” said Murphy. “Over the past few years, we have worked to crack down on organized retail theft, which threatens livelihoods and public safety. With today’s bill, we are taking decisive action to combat this growing threat and protect businesses and workers statewide.”
To impose stricter penalties for these crimes and establish a dedicated effort to combat organized retail theft, the bill specifically:
- Upgrades any simple assault to an aggravated assault when committed against a retail employee engaged in the performance of their duties
- Upgrades to a second-degree crime the failure to pay a tax, fee, penalty, or interest due if accrued through conduct as a leader of an organized retail theft enterprise
- Establishes fostering the sale of stolen property as a disorderly persons offense
- Provides that the value of merchandise involved in a shoplifting offense may be used to upgrade the offense
- Provides that a person may be sentenced to an extended prison term for repeat convictions related to retail theft
- Requires merchants that sell gift cards to ensure that the gift cards are enclosed in secure packaging and that they display a consumer notice related to gift card fraud provided by the Division of Consumer Affairs
- Requires the Attorney General to undertake steps as deemed appropriate to effectively investigate, prosecute, and deter organized retail theft, which may include establishing a retail theft unit, task force, or other office or initiative
“We look forward to working with our law enforcement partners to continue fighting sophisticated organized retail theft rings using the tools provided by the Legislature and Governor Murphy,” said Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. “This new law upgrades and, in some circumstances, provides for extended terms of imprisonment for certain retail theft crimes, as well as addressing gift card fraud. It will give us additional ways to better protect New Jersey retailers, their employees, and their customers from victimization.”
“This bill is a major step forward in our fight against organized retail theft,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “By imposing stricter penalties, protecting retail employees, and cracking down on gift card fraud, we are sending a strong message that these crimes will not be tolerated. Governor Murphy’s leadership ensures law enforcement has the tools to hold offenders accountable and safeguard New Jersey businesses, employees, and consumers.”
With the signing of this bill, Governor Murphy brings New Jersey in line with surrounding states, including New York and Pennsylvania, that have already taken similar measures to combat organized retail theft.
The prime sponsors of this bill, which passed unanimously in both chambers, are Senator John Burzichelli and Assemblyman Joe Danielsen. Other primary sponsors include Senator Holly Schepisi and Assemblymembers Alex Sauickie and Heather Simmons.
“This law will help fight the retail crime rings that operate on a much larger scale than individual shoplifters who take products for personal use. These are professional shoplifters backed by criminal organizations that plan large-scale thefts and fence the products on the gray market, often selling across state lines or through the internet. It’s grown into a billion-dollar criminal enterprise that costs the average family an estimated $500 a year,” said Senator Burzichelli. “The health and safety of consumers are put at additional risk when these gangs resell consumable items or medical products that were stored in compromised conditions or sold with altered expiration dates. This is a true consumer protection law that will help safeguard the public’s health and save consumers money.”
“The surge of organized retail crime has cost businesses billions, driven up prices for consumers, and has put employees’ safety at risk as they face growing threats of violence from organized theft rings,” said Senator Schepisi. “We’ve witnessed an alarming rise in large-scale theft operations across the nation, especially here in New Jersey, where stolen merchandise is swiftly sold for illicit gains. With the Governor’s signature, we can now impose tougher penalties to deter criminals and their theft organizations, and, most importantly, enhance protections for both retailers and their customers. At the heart of this issue is the safety of our communities. Retail employees shouldn’t have to fear for their safety, and shoppers deserve peace of mind that the products they buy are safe and haven’t been tampered with in any way.”
“New Jerseyans continue to feel the impact of organized retail theft crimes in their wallets and their pocketbooks,” said Assemblyman Danielsen, Chair of the Public Safety and Preparedness Committee. “The legislation signed into law today will help law enforcement as they fight this growing threat. It will also reduce the burden faced by consumers who purchase goods from these retail establishments.”
“The signing of this legislation into law is a critical step in combating organized retail crime, including smash-and-grab thefts, which threaten businesses, retail workers, and consumers—especially in the pharmaceutical sector,” said Assemblyman Sauickie. “By strengthening penalties and enforcement, this bill supports law enforcement efforts and safeguards hardworking employees. With neighboring states like New York and Pennsylvania already taking action, New Jersey must act now to prevent becoming a prime target for these crimes. It ensures a safer retail environment and reinforces protections for both businesses and consumers across the state.”
“The repercussions of organized retail theft in New Jersey are both tangible and far reaching,” said Assemblywoman Simmons. “It’s incumbent upon us as legislators to do what we can to quash criminal activity by ensuring law enforcement has the resources needed to fight this type of crime.”
