WR was invited to present to the Everett Mayor and City Council at their winter retreat to address organized retail crime (ORC), public safety, and retail theft. Key city staff, including the Chief of Police, also attended the session.
Mark Johnson, WR’s Senior Vice President of Policy and Government Affairs, highlighted how ORC fuels broader criminal activity in Everett, across Washington State, and nationwide. Johnson also emphasized a recent case involving an international crime syndicate from China, which has been tampering with gift cards and stealing millions of dollars from both consumers and retailers.
Last year, Washington retailers estimated a collective loss of nearly $3 billion in product due to retail crime. Even more concerning is the growing impact on customers and employees, who are increasingly affected by these crimes in their workplaces and shopping environments.
Retailers prioritize the safety and comfort of their customers and employees, as these are critical to their survival and growth. During the presentation, Johnson urged Everett officials to support a series of legislative efforts aimed at addressing ORC and enhancing community safety.
Key Legislative Priorities and Funding Proposals
- $100 million in local government grants to hire and train additional law enforcement officers.
- Approximately $50 million for local governments to hire more public defenders.
- Approximately $10 million for local governments to hire prosecutors focused on ORC and retail theft.
- HB 1276: Increases penalties for ORC mega-thieves stealing over $20,000 in product.
- SB 5068: Allows law enforcement and prosecutors to hire documented workers.
- HB 1095: Enables local governments to secure additional funding for law enforcement and prosecutors.
- Expands the definition of theft to include concealment within a store.
- Criminalizes gift card tampering and fraud.
- Permits the use of license plate readers on state highways to track criminal activity.
WR is calling on cities and legislators across Washington to support these proactive measures to ensure safe and welcoming environments for retail employees and customers.
