LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Big box stores and family owned businesses have been targets for crime.
WDRB News has reported thefts at vape shops, retail stores, and auto lots, some of which were caught on camera. But even with surveillance video and witnesses, business owners often feel powerless.
Noah McDonald with Next Level Sports Nutrition has worked in retail for several years. He said his prior experience at a sporting good store was eye-opening.
"And as employees we were told, you know, don't do anything," McDonald said. "You kind of are powerless, you have to just let them walk."
State Senator David Yates (D-Louisville) is championing a bill that he said would help tackle retail theft. He said these crimes are ruining the livelihoods for mom and pop shop owners.
"There's got to be accountability for their actions," Yates said.
Right now, in Kentucky, if someone robs from multiple stores, police can only connect those crimes if they happen in a 90 day period.
"So you may have a shoplifting offender pick up a charge and then three months later, pick up another charge," Yates said. "But more often than not, a lot of times, they'll pick up one or two, over a year."
That's why he's filed Senate Bill 48 to extend that time period to a full year.
"By expanding the theft aggregator from 90 days to one year, law enforcement agencies will be better able to observe and connect criminal patterns deployed by organized theft rings over time," Yates said.
He said that extra time would also help police track down ringleader in organized retail theft groups.
"It gives time to go after the unindicted co-conspirator, these adults that are utilizing and victimizing children to do the dirty work," Yates said.
Yates stresses this not only protects the small business owners but also the kids being used to commit crimes.
"We have adults that are using rings of children to victimize our community, to steal, and in essence, victimize these children," Yates said.
The bill was passed out of a Senate committee this week. It's next stop is the Senate floor.
Related Stories:
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- 'You're never ready for something like this' | Louisville business owners hit by holiday season break-ins
- Police: Man seen on video breaking into Louisville dealership also burglarized other businesses
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