Retail theft and porch piracy

–DeSantis proposes stiffer laws

Staff Reports

Last week, Governor Ron DeSantis announced proposed legislative action to curb the growing nationwide uptick of retail theft and porch piracy. In 2022, retailers across the country lost $112 billion to retail theft, with sharp increases in major cities like New York, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.

     According to a press release from the governor’s office, Florida shoplifting has decreased by 30% since Governor DeSantis first took office.

     “If you commit a crime in Florida, you are going to be held accountable,” said DeSantis. “We will not tolerate retail crime, porch pirates and the lawlessness that they allow in California and New York.”

     In high-crime states like New York, shoplifting has increased by 63% in New York City alone. New York retailers lost more than $4 billion.

     To combat this growing problem and to ensure it does not come to Florida, DeSantis is building on previous actions by proposing the following:    

   •Third degree felony if you commit retail theft with five or more individuals.

•Second degree felony if criminals use social media to solicit others to participate in retail theft.

•First degree felony if an individual commits retail theft with a firearm or has already had two or more prior convictions of retail theft.

•Reducing the stolen property value necessary to charge criminals with a felony for stealing delivered packages.

According to a recent national study by Forbes:

•41% of small business retailers said the value of items stolen in 2023 has increased compared to previous years.

•75% of small business retailers reported monthly losses between $500 and $2,500 due to theft.

•85% of small business retailers said they experience theft at least once a year, and just 5% of small business retailers report never experiencing theft.

•Increasing prices (64%) was the most popular measure small business retailers reported implementing to reduce theft impact.