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ALBUQUERQUE, NM – Shoplifting is on the rise, and that’s why one local lawmaker is hoping to add protections for business owners.
Republican state Rep. Bill Ream’s bill was introduced in the Consumer and Public Affairs Committee on Tuesday. Rehm said he sponsored House Bill 57 because store owners he spoke to were hesitant to stop shoplifters, worried they would be armed for two reasons, and because they feared someone would be charged for doing it.
People remember a video of a shoplifter being wrestled to the ground after Guitar Center employees tried to run off with the guitar.
“This is an example of where store owners need protection,” said Rem.
HB 57 allows business owners and employees to use reasonable force to arrest shoplifters and gives them immunity from any charges that may arise from such situations.
Rehm said retail crime has become a common problem, and it’s time for the Legislature to address it.
“My polls are really upset by the amount of shoplifting, I mean if you look next door you always have examples of shoplifting and citizen outrage,” Rehm said.
Committee members argued that New Mexico laws protect business owners.
“I think this bill is redundant and unnecessary. We have protections on the books,” state Rep. Andrea Romero said.
After some discussion, the bill was tabled and no further action was taken.
Keep track of HB 57 during the legislative session.
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