FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                 

April 2, 2025                                                                                                 

Maryland Passes Long-Awaited Organized Retail Crime Law to Combat Rising Theft

Annapolis, MD  – After nearly a decade of advocacy, the Maryland General Assembly has officially passed a landmark Organized Retail Crime (ORC) law, equipping law enforcement and retailers with the tools needed to combat sophisticated retail theft operations. The new law creates a clear definition of organized retail crime, enables statewide data collection, and allows theft to be aggregated across jurisdictions – closing a critical loophole long exploited by criminals.

For years, organized retail crime has plagued Maryland businesses, with criminals strategically jumping from jurisdiction to jurisdiction to stay below the state’s $1,500 felony theft threshold and evade serious charges. This legislation, HB179/SB11, ensures that law enforcement and prosecutors can track repeat offenders, combine offenses across counties, and pursue stronger penalties against those orchestrating these crimes.

“Retailers across Maryland have been sounding the alarm on organized retail crime for years,” said Cailey Locklair, President of the Maryland Retailers Alliance. “This law is a game-changer. It finally gives law enforcement the ability to treat organized retail theft as the serious crime it is, rather than a series of unrelated incidents.”

Organized retail crime has become a growing threat nationwide, impacting large chains, small businesses, and consumers alike. Stolen goods often end up being resold in illicit markets, fueling larger criminal enterprises. By defining organized retail crime in state law and enhancing tracking capabilities, Maryland joins a growing number of states taking decisive action to protect businesses, employees, and communities.

“This is a major victory for public safety and economic stability in Maryland,” said House sponsor Delegate Karen Toles. “With this new law, we’re sending a clear and concise message: organized retail crime will no longer go unchecked in our state.”

The passage of this law marks a significant step forward in Maryland’s fight against retail theft, ensuring stronger accountability for repeat offenders and greater protections for businesses and consumers.

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Contact: Cailey Locklair

317-397-1918

clocklair@mdra.org