SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) supported a new law that curbs organized retail theft and holds ringleaders accountable.

“Organized retail theft has become much more common across the country and it’s vital that we fight back against the growing issue,” Loughran Cappel said. “This new law sends a message to criminals that these thefts will not be tolerated.”

In partnership with Illinois Retail Merchants Association and the office of the attorney general, the law defines Organized Retail Crime as a specific criminal charge and provides prosecutors with additional resources to hold perpetrators accountable. The law codifies ORC as the theft of retail merchandise with intent to sell.

Under the law, prosecutors will have additional opportunities to bring charges against offenders regardless of where the crime takes place. For example, if the conspiracy, theft and selling occurred in different jurisdictions, each jurisdiction would have the ability to prosecute the entire crime. The Illinois Attorney General will also have the ability to prosecute via a statewide grand jury.

To prevent stolen goods from being sold online, the measure also creates the Integrity, Notification and Fairness in Online Retail Marketplaces for Consumers Act, or the INFORM Act, to require third-party sellers to verify users’ identity with bank account numbers or other personal identifying information. Sellers who do not comply may be suspended.

The law, originally House Bill 1091, was signed into law Friday.