Croke Passes Measure Combatting Organized Retail Theft, Fights for Public Safety

CHICAGO, Ill. – Following her ongoing efforts to keep her community safe from the threat of violent crime, state Rep. Margaret Croke, D-Chicago, passed legislation cracking down on organized retail theft. It is now headed to the Governor’s desk for signature.

“As our community’s representative in Springfield, it’s my responsibility to address the problems constituents are facing,” Croke said. “Small business owners are just getting back on their feet following the COVID-19 pandemic. Often, they’re rebuilding something they’ve created from the ground up, and criminals coming in and destroying that is a very personal crime. It has to stop.”

Croke spearheaded the passage of House Bill 1091, which creates the offense of Organized Retail Crime with the aim of addressing smash-and-grab thefts from small businesses and targets the organizers of retail crime rings. These crimes occur when a person or group knowingly commits the act of retail theft from one or more sales establishments, while committing assault and battery or intentional destruction of property.

 “I’m committed to preserving public safety in our community and putting a stop to crimes like this,” Croke said. “When you see the results of crimes like organized retail theft, you have an obligation to act. I’m confident this measure will help put a stop to it, and I urge the governor to sign it into law.”