Congresswoman Schrier Brings Together Local Law Enforcement and Business Leaders to Combat Organized Retail Crime

COVINGTON, WA- Today, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) hosted a press conference to highlight the challenges that organized retail theft poses to law enforcement and local businesses. Congresswoman Schrier was joined by local leaders, including Covington Police Chief Adam Easterbrook, King County Prosecutor Leesa Manion, Covington Mayor Jeff Wagner, Covington City Manager Regan Bolli, and Vice President of Washington Organized Retail Crime Association Carl Kleinknecht.

Organized retail crime has become increasingly prevalent across the United States, threatening local businesses and jobs, putting employees and customers at risk, and fueling transnational criminal organizations' illicit activities, including human, drug, and weapons trafficking. To address this issue, Congresswoman Schrier has co-sponsored the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, a bipartisan, bicameral bill that takes steps to crack down on organized retail crime by establishing a Coordination Center located within the DHS, combining expertise from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies along with the private sector to create a national strategy to curb organized retail crime including increased penalties.

"I've heard from law enforcement, local businesses, and constituents throughout the Eighth District who are concerned about the rise and impact of organized retail crime,'' said Congresswoman Schrier. "This is a serious issue - not only does organized retail crime harm local businesses and threaten our public safety, but the money stolen in these crimes helps to fund other illegal activities that further increase crime in our communities. I've proudly worked alongside local law enforcement to combat this issue by securing federal funds to make sure our officers are well-equipped and by pushing legislation like the Combatting Organized Retail Crime Act."

"Organized Retail Theft is a growing problem in the region that affects everyone," said Covington Police Chief Adam Easterbrook. "We appreciate Congresswoman Schrier meeting with us to discuss finding solutions to this problem."

"The King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office is serious about tackling organized retail theft," said King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion. "We've heard very clearly from our partners - law enforcement, retailers, and community - about the impact of retail crimes, which can have significant negative financial consequences on businesses of all sizes. The Prosecuting Attorney's Office is committed to doing our part to address these crimes wherever they occur in King County."