Illinois retailers, communities suffer from shoplifting and robbery spikes

(The Center Square) – Business owners and taxpayers are paying a big price for retail theft.

According to CWBChicago, shoplifting reports have soared 45% this year, making 2024 the worst year for retail theft in the city since at least 2003.

Illinois Retail Merchants Association President and CEO Rob Karr told The Center Square that the burglaries and thefts are troubling.

“It continues to create significant financial and psychological harm not only to the people who own and manage the businesses, but to the people who work there. It is a clear factor in hiring difficulties, particularly within the city of Chicago, as people are worried about their own safety,” Karr said.

Karr said what is lost is that people view retail theft as a harmless crime.

“Retail theft has the most victims. We are all impacted by retail crime, because of the sales tax that’s generated off those sales. It’s now gone,” Karr said.

Capital One Shopping estimated that Illinois lost nearly $3 billion in revenue to theft in 2022. The retail thefts cost Illinois an estimated $185 million in tax revenue.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed legislation in 2022 that gave the Illinois Attorney General and other law enforcement agencies more tools against organized retail theft.

Karr and the Illinois Retail Merchants Association supported House Bill 1091, which was also known as the INFORM Act. The law took effect on January 1, 2023.

“They certainly gave significantly more power and leverage to the attorney general and state’s attorneys, if they choose to use them. I think what remains to be seen, particularly in Cook County, is we need effective and timely prosecution,” Karr said.

Despite rising numbers of reported thefts, Karr said there may not be any need for new laws.

“In terms of policy, I think the policies are in place to do this. Could there be tweaks? Maybe, but let’s give the opportunities for the changes that were made to fully take effect,” Karr explained.

Illinois Restaurant Association President and CEO Sam Toia provided The Center Square with a statement, saying, “Crime is an issue here in Chicago and in all urban areas throughout the United States. We would love to see more presence of officers and security guards throughout our 77 communities. Officer presence serves as a strong deterrent.”

CWBChicago suggested that increased crime reporting may be contributing to the surge of shoplifting cases in Chicago. In addition, CWB data and police records show that proximity to migrant shelters may be contributing to increases at some stores.