Madison… Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) released the following statement after the Assembly passed several tough on crime bills including a bill authored by the Speaker regarding multiple acts of theft committed in concert and providing a penalty.
“Across the country, we have seen a surge in mob-style retail theft also known as smash and grab robberies. While these groups typically target large businesses, small businesses are not spared from these attacks.
“By aggregating the value of goods stolen, we are sending a clear message to individuals contemplating these crimes to think twice and ensure that mob-style retail theft does not become commonplace in Wisconsin.”
According to a 2021 study by the National Retail Federation, organized retail crime is a growing threat. Sixty-nine percent of retailers said they have seen an increase in organized retail crime noting that “it is increasingly clear that greater support is needed from lawmakers and law enforcement.
Current penalties for theft in Wisconsin range from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class F felony depending on the value of property stolen. A thief stealing property with a value less than $2,500 would be guilty of a misdemeanor while an individual stealing property with a value exceeding $100,000 would be guilty of a Class F felony.
