Fuschillo Legislation to Help Prevent Resale of Stolen Goods Passed by Senate

Legislation Would Make it Harder for Professional Shoplifters to Resell Stolen Goods through Itinerant Vendors

Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) announced that the New York State Senate passed legislation he sponsors to help prevent the resale of stolen goods through itinerant vendors.

Senator Fuschillo’s legislation (S743) would expand the current law prohibiting itinerant vendors from selling baby food and over the counter medications to also include batteries and cosmetics. These items are prime targets of organized retail theft gangs which steal large quantities of them and resell them through itinerant vendors, like those at flea markets.

“Batteries and cosmetics are coveted by professional shoplifters because they are small, easily concealed, and expensive.  Eliminating a marketplace thieves often use to resell these stolen items will help deter them from stealing these items in the first place,” said Senator Fuschillo.

            Additionally, the legislation aims to protect consumers from the health hazards caused by spoiled products. Many flea markets are held outdoors, where products are exposed to sunlight and heat. Cosmetics, like baby food and over the counter medications, are perishable items which could spoil under these conditions and create serious health problems for consumers.

            Vendors who illegally sell batteries or cosmetics would face a fine of up to $100 per item offered for sale or sold, which is the same penalty they currently face for selling baby food or over the counter medications. 

            "Senator Fuschillo's bill puts consumers first," said Retail Council of New York State Executive Vice President and Director of Government Relations Ted Potrikus."He's protecting honest shoppers from unsafe products and over-the-counter drugs that are past their expiration date.  He knows that if the deal looks too good to be true, it probably is -- and it's the honest shopper, and the honest retailer, who are victims.  The retail industry appreciates Senator Fuschillo's determination to get this bill through the Senate and keep it a priority for the 2013 Session." 

            The legislation has been sent to the Assembly for consideration.