Florida Attorney General Announces Legislative Efforts to Fight ‘Smash-and-Grab’ Retail Crimes

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody announced Tuesday legislative efforts to combat organized retail theft in the Sunshine State.

Moody said she is working with Florida legislators to prosecute and disband organized retail crime rings that plan significant retail thefts, a trend that is taking over many states, Fox News reports

“We’ve seen the damage and disorder caused by brazen criminals across the country through terrifying smash-and-grab robberies, and we must continue to innovate to stay ahead of this national crime trend,” Moody said in a statement.

In November, Moody launched the Florida Organized Retail Crime Exchange, seeking to help law enforcement, prosecutors and retail workers identify and act against “massive, organized retail theft rings.” 

“Organized retail crime has increased significantly over the last two years,” Florida Retail Federation President Scott Shalley said Tuesday. “Criminal gangs are stealing hundreds, thousands and sometimes millions of dollars of merchandise, and they’re threatening the safety of our communities. With the leadership of Attorney General Moody, Senator Jim Boyd and Representative Chuck Clemons, and their proposed legislation, Florida is standing up to criminals and holding them accountable for their actions.”

Moody’s office will work with state legislators to “remove barriers” in identifying “what is clearly organized criminal activity,” per a Tuesday press release. 

“If you commit a crime in Florida, you should expect to face justice, and that is why it is so important that we work together this session to stay ahead of the organized retail crime trends we are seeing nationwide,” Florida Rep. Chuck Clemons, Sr., said.