Delaware County Authorities Take Action Against Retail Crime Rings

# Retail Theft: Delaware County’s Stand Against Organized Crime

## Stepping Up The Game

So, Delaware County’s decided enough is enough, right? Retail theft is no small potatoes, and they’re going full throttle to squash it. Recently, they held a big-deal seminar on September 27th. This wasn’t your usual chit-chat over coffee; top brass from law enforcement and the who’s who of retail—Acme, Giant, Lowe’s, Walgreens, CVS, and, oh yeah, Wawa—pulled up chairs to brainstorm.

## The Lowdown on the New Law

This new law? Game changer. Kicked into gear on July 1. It established the Office of Deputy Attorney General for Organized Retail Crime Theft. Translation? Five hotshot prosecuting attorneys zoned in on this retail cyclone statewide. And get this: the retail value thresholds tied to second and third-degree felonies? Halved. More felony charges are flying off the shelves, and the prosecutors aren’t playing.

> **Jack Stollsteimer**, Delaware County District Attorney, had a lot to say. He’s seen retail theft spike like crazy, especially with these organized crime rings. “Takes a village to nab these guys,” he said, pushing for more team ups like this one.

## The Retailers’ Nightmare

You got that right. These thefts don’t just pinch—they wound. You’re talking billions down the drain. Besides the cash bleed, they’re hazardous. It’s a twofold punch that nobody wants to take.

In a 2024 [Crime Analysis Report](https://www.eprmagazine.com/articles/organized-retail-crime-threatens-all-american-shoppers.html), shoplifting alone skyrocketed 24%. Meanwhile, other crimes took a nosedive.

| Year | Shoplifting Increase | Overall Crime Decrease |
|————–|———————-|————————|
| First Half of 2024 | 24% | Decreased |

## The Big Names Take Charge

Let’s not kid around. Big retail stores are banding together like superheroes, only without the capes. District attorneys from Delaware and Chester Counties weren’t just sipping tea at this event. They were unveiling a presentation with a flashy title, **”Organized Retail Crime: Collaboration and Perspectives.”** It was all about waking people up to the new law and setting the stage for this relentless fight against retail crime gangs.

## Eyes on Every Theft

In that seminar, it was crystal clear: see something, say something. Retailers can’t slack off. Report every single theft, even if it’s just a pack of gum.

Walgreens or Lowe’s? They’re not just counting beans; they’re counting on everyone taking action. And don’t forget the support from the Chamber of Commerce, Chester County DA’s office, and other law enforcement partners. It’s a collective hustle against this menace.

## Closing Thoughts

Retail theft, especially when organized, is like a ticking time bomb. But with law enforcement and big retailers working hand-in-hand, there’s finally some hope. The battle’s just begun, but Delaware County’s geared up for a full-on offensive.

For further reading, check out [Organized Retail Crime: The Hidden Threat to Retailers](https://www.nrf.com/resources/organized-retail-crime).