Establishes the offense of organized retail theft
If passed, HB1652 will amend Chapter 570 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, introducing a structure of penalties based on the total value of the items stolen over a 120-day period. Specifically, it classifies the offense as a Class C felony for aggregated thefts valued between $1,500 and $10,000, and a Class B felony for thefts exceeding $10,000. This tiered penalty structure is designed to enhance the consequences for more significant offenses, thereby deterring organized theft acts that have increasingly burdened retailers in Missouri.
House Bill 1652 seeks to address the growing issue of organized retail theft by establishing a clear legal definition and associated penalties for this crime. The bill defines organized retail theft as a series of thefts of retail merchandise, whether conducted alone or in collusion with others, with the intent to return the merchandise for value or to resell it. Notably, the measure allows for prosecution in any jurisdiction within Missouri where any part of the crime was committed, ensuring law enforcement can tackle these offenses effectively across different localities.
The bill may become a point of contention, particularly with concerns about its broad implications on retail operations and how law enforcement resources may be allocated. Critics might argue that the focus on organized retail theft could divert attention from other pressing crime issues or that the felony classifications might place undue burdens on individuals involved in less severe thefts. Moreover, discussions around the bill could include concerns related to civil liberties, as well as questions on how effectively these new regulations will be enforced without infringing on legitimate commerce.