Pennsylvania law defines organized retail theft as activities involving the planning or management of theft enterprises targeting retail merchandise. The severity of charges depends on the retail value stolen, with higher values resulting in more serious felonies. The law also provides specific definitions for terms like merchandise, merchant, and organized theft enterprises.
Organized retail theft involves activities like organizing, coordinating, or managing a theft enterprise that steals retail merchandise.
Penalties depend on the retail value of stolen goods: $5,000–$19,999 is a third-degree felony, and $20,000 or more is a second-degree felony.
Merchandise includes any goods, chattels, foodstuffs, or wares of any type, regardless of value.
A merchant is an owner, operator, or agent of a retail establishment, including employees, officers, or contractors.