Senator Girgenti in the News
Girgenti Bill To Establish ‘Organized Retail Theft Task Force’ Is Now Law
December 11, 2008
TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senate Assistant Majority Leader John A. Girgenti, which creates the “Organized Retail Theft Task Force,” to help develop ways to address the problem of organized retail theft in New Jersey was signed into law on December 11, 2008 by Governor Corzine.
“The effects of organized retail theft are of real concern to retailers – especially small business owners,” said Senator Girgenti, D-Bergen and Passaic. “These theft rings not only place undue strain on the pockets of consumers and store owners, but they also pose a threat to the safety and security of all who are in the store. Through this law’s provisions, we can deter this kind of crime, and protect the physical and financial safety of our residents.”
The new law, S-1337, establishes the nine-member task force to help identify ways to stop organized theft rings here in New Jersey. Membership of the task force will include representatives of the New Jersey Retail Merchants’ Association, the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, a county prosecutor, and a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers. The task force will review strategies that other states and countries have followed to deal with organized retail theft rings. The task force will have three years to complete its research and make recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature.
This measure was passed by the full Senate on October 23.