ORC costing Colorado $500 million a year and they've introduced a new bill that will toughen laws Republican Rep. Mark Barker, a former police officer and district attorney, is behind a bill that would crack down on the criminals. The bill would allow police to arrest people for carrying the tools used in shoplifting — things like foil-lined clothes that bypass electronic security and equipment to remove theft detection devices. Right now officers have to wait for them to take something before they can move in. The purpose of this is to give law enforcement some ability to stop it in advance; to go after the people who are planning these before they do it,” Barker said. Expected to pass the House this week and has broad support. (Source cbslocal.com)

Michigan Governor plans on enacting tougher ORC laws as well and has the full support of the Michigan Retailers Association We applaud Gov. Snyder for taking on this serious public safety issue, and we look forward to assisting his legislative efforts to ensure better laws are enacted," said James P. Hallan, MRA president and CEO. "Organized retail crime not only hurts retail businesses, it has far-reaching effects throughout society," Hallan said. "We appreciate the governor addressing this problem and we're prepared to help any way we can." (Source yahoo.com)

ORC ring of two & fencing operation busted in Lawrence, Mass., with $20,000 in stolen clothing seized in suspects apartment. On Monday, a room at the Lawrence Police Department was overflowing with at least $20,000 in stolen clothes and other merchandise with the price tags and security sensors still attached. Police say it was all part of major shoplifting and fencing operation being run out of Jorge Alvarado's apartment. It appears it’s consistent with a fencing operation and shoplifting. And he did make statements after Mirandized, he did make statements as to the property, and that will obviously be part of the court case,” Chief Romero said. (Source privateofficerbreakingnews.com)

Possible ORC suspect arrested and may be involved with others in North Attleboro, Mass. Woman arrested stealing $2,500 of perfume from Macy's at Emerald Square Mall - two months after her arrest for the same offense at South Shore Plaza in Braintree. She was arrested Friday night, allegedly after struggling with and punching a Macy's security guard who was attempting to detain her. Police allege she is the same woman who stole Coco Chanel perfume on two previous occasions at the store since Feb. 26. Allegedly, she was identified after police and store officials reviewed store videotape. Police are still investigating other suspects involved with Bolden on the other instances. On one previous instance, Bolden allegedly stole perfume while a male accomplice kept the clerk busy, police said. (Source thesunchronicle.com)