New law cracks down on the smash-and-grab burglary that has plagued Mag Meals
CHICAGO — A new state law will crack down on smash-and-grab burglaries, such as those targeted at Mag Mile shops.
Government JB Pritzker signed the organized retail anti-theft crime bill Friday morning at Water Tower Place, a prominent building in Chicago’s most famous shopping corridor. The bill comes as high-end Mag Mile shops and other businesses see large groups of thieves flocking to the stores and stealing items before they leave.
Officials said businesses have lost millions, and thefts put others at risk.
Organized retail crime has affected many places, “including here on Michigan Avenue,” Pritzker said during a news conference. “It’s dangerous for store employees and customers alike.”
Officials said the bill would provide resources for businesses and investigators to coordinate how they prevent and respond to theft, and it would plug loopholes so that thieves could be prosecuted.
“It’s not aimed at a low-income parent desperate to feed their child,” Pritzker said. “It’s about a multi-billion dollar industry of organized criminals carrying out sophisticated theft operations to make a profit on the retail market.”
Some major companies have threatened to exit the commercial corridors due to the sabotage.
The bill would help prevent “militarized storefronts and empty commercial aisles,” Pritzker said.
Eld. Brendan Reilly (42nd), whose ward includes retail-heavy parts of downtown, praised the law, saying it would benefit his constituents.
“We need stronger tools to fight this, and this legislation is a strong step in the right direction,” Reilly said. “On behalf of Downtown Chicago, thank you to our residents and our retail community, the Governor.”
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