Home Depot VP Urges Congress to Combat Surge in Violent Retail Crime
• Home Depot exec asks Congress to pass bipartisan bill to combat organized retail crime groups that have become more aggressive • Employees threatened with knives, guns; Home Depot has taken measures like locking up products, hiring security • V.P. says retail crime driven by drugs/opioids prompting need for quick cash
• Over past 3 years, significant uptick in violent encounters between Home Depot staff and criminals despite prevention efforts
• Testimony comes after National Retail Federation held advocacy day to urge Congress to fight retail crime