Securing Georgia’s business hub against organized retail crime
Georgia takes pride in being a top destination for business with a stellar logistics hub and strategic proximity to major markets. However, the rise of organized retail crime poses a $3 billion annual problem for the state. Attorney General Chris Carr emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach including public private partnerships, effective training and resource allocation for law enforcement, and involvement of the general public.
Collaboration between sectors
To combat organized retail crime effectively, General Carr stresses the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors. He highlights Georgia's efforts to bring together law enforcement, major retail partners, and online marketplaces to share insights and develop strategies.
Interconnected criminal elements
Addressing the closure of stores due to violence and theft, General Carr notes the impact of ineffective law enforcement on communities, particularly those with lower incomes. Sighting the state’s constitutional designation of the protection of personal property as the paramount duty of government, Georgia enforces laws without setting a minimum threshold for prosecution.
Attorney General Carr dispels the notion that retail crime is victimless, emphasizing its strong connections to gang activity, human trafficking, and money laundering. He discusses the role of dedicated resources, communication, and coordination between various law enforcement agencies in addressing these broader criminal components of ORC.
The role of the general public
General Carr encourages public training and awareness programs to minimize the impact of violent crime. He invites the general public to contribute by reporting suspicious activity and instances of potential fraud through the state's hotline and website.
Leadership at the national level
Attorney General Carr and Attorney General Kwame Raoul of Illinois serve as co-chairs for the Attorney General Alliance ORC working group and coordinate their counterparts across the country to fight organized retail crime.
