CHICAGO (CBS) — In a brand-new tactic to fight organized retail theft, a group is forming across the state of Illinois to bring together business owners and police.

From smash-and-grabs to large-group thefts—visuals with which we’ve become all too familiar—organized retail crime has been a major hit to businesses big and across the area.

Criminal groups that commit the retail thefts seek to resell the items to fund activities such as illegal gun purchases, human trafficking, and even terrorism, experts say.

High-profile retail districts such as the Magnificent Mile have been pummeled by thieves over recent years, but it is not just the main shopping corridors that are affected.

Illinois retailers are estimated to lose more than $2 billion in goods to retail thefts every year—impacting everything from the ability to hire new employees to expanding and maintaining business.

Further, such thefts affect not only the businesses themselves, but the city’s tax base—and ultimately everyone.

“So goes retail, So goes our local government services and state services,” said Rob Karr, president and chief executive officer of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association.

The new Illinois Organized Retail Crime Association is the latest measure to try to stop those hits from coming.

“In short, what it is, is an organization that brings together law enforcement, asset protection professionals, and others involved in combatting organized retail crime—including state and federal law enforcement agencies,” said Rob Karr, president and chief executive officer of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association.

Karr said the new association will streamline coordination between everyone involved—acting as a connector for businesses big and small, loss prevention specialists, and law enforcement, with the idea that the more people are connected, the quicker the crooks will be caught.

“We are really hopeful to have this great coming together that doesn’t exist today in a cohesive manner,” Karr said.

Using a shared platform, the Illinois Organized Retail Crime Association will allow groups across jurisdictions to share information and warnings, build cases, and ultimately prevent crime.

Dave Garfield, a family business owner with locations in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, has seen his fair share of such crime.

“It takes a big toll,” Garfield said.

He said one of his Garfield’s Beverage Warehouse stores had $300,000 worth of damage in a recent theft, and coming back from it is “overwhelming.” Just recently, one of his stores had a store hit more than once.

Garfield said he is happy to be part of the brand-new retail crime association, because the intel would’ve helped in that case.

“We were hit twice in a month, and it was the same crew,” said Garfield, “so I think if the first time, we would have had something like this, we would have been able to communicate with other people—and hopefully prepared ourselves to not happen again.”

The Illinois Organized Retail Crime Association kicks off Monday. Anne Sagins, who has 30 years of public service with the Illinois Senate Republicans Caucus, will serve as executive director.

Learning about climate change can be overwhelming, but there are ways Illinois residents can take action in their own community.

The University of Illinois Extension is hosting a free virtual webinar on Oct. 10.

It’s part of their Everyday Environment series. The goal is to teach people about how climate is changing in Illinois, and what residents can do about it.

Abigail Garafulo is an educator at the Extension. She says Everyday Environment gives people a community and helps them feel more hopeful.

“It’s empowering,” she said. “It gives you the opportunity to do something, and it gives you the tools to tell people about it.”

Topics include climate-friendly lawn care tips, like waiting for your grass to grow at least three inches before you mow or leaving fall leaves on the lawn as mulch. They’ll also talk about collective action as a community.

LINCOLN, Neb. (Nebraska Athletics Press Release) – Behind Sarah Weber’s 39th career goal and NU’s 26 shots, the Nebraska soccer team shut out Illinois 1-0 on Thursday evening at Hibner Stadium.

The win marked the Huskers’ first conference victory of the season as they improved to 4-6-0 (1-3-1 Big Ten) on the year, while Illinois dropped to 4-5-2 (0-3-1 Big Ten).

In the first half, the Husker offense came out quickly tallying a pair of shots in the opening minutes and continued to hold the offensive advantage, leading in shots (12-3), shots on goal (4-0) and corners (4-0). Weber led the way with five shots of her own, while Sadie Waite added three. The Husker defense proved to be relentless, and the teams entered halftime tied 0-0.

Nebraska continued to hold the momentum in the second half, as Illinois earned just two shots on goal and no corners, while the Huskers tallied 11 shots on frame and 11 corners. Both teams were scoreless until the Huskers notched the match’s lone goal in the 58th minute. Marking her fourth assist of the season, Lauryn Anglim sent the corner into the top of the goal box, which was headed by Weber into the back of the net for the score. The Husker defense continued to hold strong, and NU held on to claim the 1-0 victory.

Sami Hauk recorded two saves in 90 minutes of play and was joined by Haley Peterson, Reese Borer, Anglim and Gwen Lane who also played the complete game. Offensively, Weber led the way with 10 shots, as seven Huskers recorded at least one shot.

Up next, Nebraska welcomes No. 15 Penn State on Sunday, Sept. 26 at Hibner Stadium. Action is set for 12 p.m. (CT) and will be aired nationally on BTN.

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