Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025

# Summary of HR 2853: Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025

HR 2853 creates new federal tools and penalties to combat organized retail crime—coordinated theft rings that target stores across multiple states. The bill establishes federal criminal offenses for organizing retail theft operations, increases penalties for interstate cargo theft, and enhances law enforcement coordination between federal agencies, state authorities, and retailers. It directly affects organized crime networks engaged in large-scale shoplifting and cargo theft, as well as retail businesses and law enforcement agencies working to prevent these crimes.

The bill was introduced as retail theft and organized crime have become increasingly visible issues in American communities and retail sectors. Major retailers have reported significant losses from coordinated theft operations, which has contributed to store closures in some areas and become a focus for both Republican and Democratic lawmakers concerned about public safety. By creating federal jurisdiction over these crimes, the legislation aims to enable federal prosecutors and agencies like the FBI to coordinate enforcement more effectively across state lines, where such criminal operations typically operate.