Show-Me State Times

Missouri legislators are considering a bill that aims to increase penalties for retail theft. The proposed legislation, HB 277, was presented by Rep. Lane Roberts (R-Joplin) to the House Crime and Public Safety Committee. The bill seeks to define organized retail theft as an offense, which involves individuals or groups committing multiple thefts of retail merchandise either online or in person.

Under the proposed law, organized retail theft would be classified as a Class C felony if the stolen goods amount to between $1,500 and $10,000 within a 120-day period. If the value exceeds $10,000, the charge would escalate to a Class B felony.

The issue of rising crime rates is affecting businesses across Missouri. According to a recent CEO survey conducted by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 90% of respondents expressed concern about public safety, while 70% believed that crime is negatively impacting the state's economic competitiveness.

Matt Redmond, director of security for Schnuck Markets, Inc., highlighted the challenges faced by retailers: “We have teams that are hitting our stores, sometimes 20 stores in a day,” he said. “We have groups from out of state targeting our area.”

Cade Tremain, manager of governmental affairs for the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, supported the bill during his testimony. He stated that “organized retail theft is leaving Missouri businesses and business owners in unexpected financial hardship.” Tremain also noted that such criminal activities discourage existing businesses from expanding and deter new businesses from establishing themselves in Missouri.

For further details on this matter, Cade Tremain can be contacted at ctremain@mochamber.com or 573-634-3511.