Radio host and former Illinois state Rep. Jeanne Ives said on May 11 that retail crime is affecting Illinois retailers, employee safety, consumer prices and tax revenue for public services.
Ives shared comments from Illinois Retail Merchants Association President and CEO Rob Karr, who said “violent retail incidents are up 7% over the last year in Illinois” and that “1 in 8 involves a firearm, blade, or physical threat,” according to Ives’ X post.
Ives’ post addressed retail theft data and its impact on store operations in the Chicago area and across Illinois. Retailers have reported continued financial losses and security issues tied to repeat offenders and store closures in affected neighborhoods, according to her X post.
Illinois retailers lose an estimated $2 billion per year to theft. The top 10% of retail crime offenders accounted for more than 63% of reported incidents in Illinois stores last year, and Illinois ranks among the top targeted states for cargo theft due to its role as a major transportation hub, according to The Center Square.
U.S. retailers lost an estimated $45 billion to shoplifting in 2024. Retailers also reported an 18% increase in average shoplifting incidents and a 19% combined increase in shoplifting and merchandise theft from 2024, according to Building Security.
Ives served three terms in the Illinois House of Representatives from the 42nd District. She attended the United States Military Academy and served as an officer in the U.S. Army, according to Wikipedia.
