It is the intent of the legislature to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the state by recognizing the negative impact of persons who engage in planned, organized, and methodical theft of retail merchandise for resale in unregulated retail commerce, including, but not limited to, medications, infant formula, and pharmaceutical items; the potential use of the proceeds of the sale of that merchandise to support other crimes and criminal enterprises and the nature, extent, and impact of those activities upon commerce and public safety; and to take appropriate actions to prevent and punish those who engage in those activities.