WASHINGTON — In a letter to Congressional leadership on Thursday, 20 top executives of leading retail companies expressed their urgent concern about the growing impact of organized retail crime on retail employees and communities across the U.S.

The executives implored lawmakers to pass the INFORM Consumers Act, legislation that they say will address the problem by making it harder for thieves to sell stolen merchandise online.

“Retailers have made significant investments to combat organized retail crime, but as they note in today’s letter, criminals will continue these brazen thefts as long as they are able to anonymously sell their stolen goods via online marketplaces,” RILA President Brian Dodge said. “Fortunately, there is a growing consensus among business leaders, law enforcement, and a bipartisan group of policymakers that the INFORM Consumers Act is an important and appropriate step to stemming the tide. Deterring these crimes starts with making it harder for thieves to sell stolen goods online. We urge Congress to seize this opportunity to help protect communities, families, and consumers.”