KSNV: Bipartisan bill targets organized retail crime networks

LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — U.S. Rep. Susie Lee on Monday called for federal action to combat organized retail crime, saying coordinated theft rings are costing Nevada millions and threatening public safety.

Speaking outside a Las Vegas JC Penney, Lee said organized retail crime involves sophisticated networks that steal large quantities of merchandise and resell it across state lines.

“This isn’t typical shoplifting,” Lee said. “This is a coordinated criminal enterprise.”

Her bipartisan Combating Organized Retail Crime Act would designate organized retail crime as a federal offense and establish a coordination center within Homeland Security Investigations to support multi-state investigations. The House Judiciary Committee unanimously advanced the bill in January.

Retail leaders said the thefts often involve clearing entire shelves or displays in minutes. Representative with the National Retail Federation said some groups transport stolen goods across state lines and use profits to fund other illegal activities.

According to Lee’s office, Nevada lost an estimated $85 million in tax revenue and more than $466 million in stolen goods tied to organized retail crime in 2021. The National Retail Federation ranked Las Vegas sixth nationwide for retail crime impact in 2025.

Lee said federal coordination is necessary to dismantle the larger networks behind the thefts.

“We need the tools to go after the organizations themselves,” Lee said.

Lee said there is companion legislation in the Senate.