William Hallan, president and CEO of the Michigan Retailers Association and USA-IT partner, discusses the need for the Michigan legislature to crack down on organized retail crime and counterfeit goods.

“Over the past two years, videos of ‘smash-and-grab’ robberies have become a regular feature on social media and in the news. This brazen violence and theft continue to put law-abiding citizens at risk, and none of us should accept it as the new normal. Lawmakers in Illinois recently took steps to address this issue, and fortunately Michigan is following close behind on a plan to fight the economic and human impact of this crime wave.”

“Fighting back against this crime requires public and private sector leaders working together. That is why we are proud to be part of a group known as United to Safeguard America from Illegal Trade. It is a public- private coalition of law enforcement, private businesses, associations and others that was formed to shine a bright light on this problem and ultimately stop the proliferation of dangerous retail crime and illicit trade.”

“A proposal recently approved by the Michigan Senate and under review by the Michigan House of Representatives could greatly help this mission by requiring online marketplaces to track who is selling products on their platforms. It also gives law enforcement the tools they need to take down these criminal networks.”

“We have all been through a lot over the past two years, and law-abiding, hard-working Americans don’t deserve these horrible and senseless acts of violence that put us all at risk. To end this growing problem, we urge lawmakers in Michigan to pass this proposal.”

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