18-04-2025
Denver business advocates take fight against retail crime to nation's Capitol
DENVER (KDVR) — Denver's business leaders are joining other U.S. cities in fighting against organized retail crime.
The Downtown Denver Partnership and the International Downtown Association participated in the 'Capitol Hill Fly-In' in Washington, D.C., where advocates shared concerns about crime, housing and office vacancies with Senator Michael Bennet, Senator John Hickenlooper, Rep. Jason Crow and Rep. Diana DeGette.
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DDP spokesperson Britt Diehl tells FOX31 retailers need support at a time when Denver is experiencing tremendous growth.
'This is an increasing challenge for downtowns, for cities across the country,' she said.
The DDP joined leaders and advocates from more than 30 other cities to support the 'Combatting Organized Retail Crime Act,' introduced in the House of Representatives on April 10.
The measure, which provides support under the Department of Homeland Security, provides training and assistance to help reduce shoplifting and other crimes.
'We need tools at the local state and federal level to be able to address these crimes as they increase and organized crimes specifically,' said Diehl.
A 2024 National Retail Federation study found that between 2019 and 2023, retailers experienced a 93% increase in shoplifting.
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Derek Friedman, owner of Sportsfan apparel shops on Federal and the 16th Street Mall, told FOX31 his businesses have been hit hard by shoplifters, resulting in six-figure losses.
'It has a dramatic impact on what we can pay our employees, whether or not they're going to get bonuses or whether or not we can do things like expand,' said Friedman.
Friedman said retailers will benefit from any effort to crack down on shoplifting, including increased public awareness of fines and sentencing.
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