How to prevent shoplifting and deception in retail

I ran across this recent study & the data is pretty much in line with the challenges being described to us by prospective retail clients. Some highlights: - Increase in Shoplifting: Retailers reported a 93% increase in shoplifting incidents and a 90% increase in dollars lost due to shoplifting from 2019 to 2023. - Violence and Aggression: 73% of retailers observed more violence and aggression from shoplifters compared to the previous year, and 91% compared to 2019. - Employee Training: 71% of retailers have increased their budgets for employee training related to workplace violence. - Organized Retail Crime (ORC): Multi-person theft incidents and ORC are on the rise, with a 57% increase in ORC incidents from 2022 to 2023. - Federal Legislation: 94% of respondents believe federal legislation is necessary to combat organized retail crime effectively. Feel free to reach out if you're looking for help/advice to address similar issues. #lossprevention #shoplifting #theftdeterrence #ORC

Why we fight (ORC) Organized Retail Crime! Organized retail crime refers to professional shoplifting, cargo theft, and other organized theft conducted by criminal groups with the intent to resell stolen merchandise. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) recognizes ORC as a growing threat to national security and economic vitality. ORC is characterized by the large-scale theft of retail goods for the purpose of reselling them, often through online marketplaces or at flea markets. These criminal networks are sophisticated and utilize advanced technologies to evade detection (National Retail Federation, 2020). 1. Retail Losses: ORC results in billions of dollars of losses for retailers annually, which can lead to increased prices for consumers and reduced profitability for companies (Smith & Schneider, 2019). 2. Tax Revenue Losses: The underground sale of stolen goods leads to lost sales tax revenue for states and municipalities, impacting public services (Jones, 2021). 3. Supply Chain Disruptions: ORC can cause disruptions in the supply chain, affecting inventory levels and the availability of products (Doe, 2022). 4. Employment and Wages: Retailers may reduce staff or limit wage increases due to losses from ORC (Smith, 2023). 1. Link to Other Crimes: ORC is often connected to other criminal activities, including drug trafficking and money laundering (Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2019). 2. Public Safety Concerns: The aggressive tactics used by ORC groups can lead to violent confrontations, posing a threat to employees and customers (National Association of Shoplifting Prevention, 2020). 3. Ethical Implications: The resale of stolen goods creates a market for illicit items, undermining legitimate businesses and economies (Taylor, 2021). 1. Legal and Jurisdictional Issues: The multi-jurisdictional nature of ORC makes it difficult for law enforcement to pursue and prosecute offenders (Doe & Smith, 2022). 2. Resource Limitations: Law enforcement agencies often lack the resources necessary to effectively combat ORC (Taylor & Johnson, 2021). 1. Enhanced Legislation: Improved laws and regulations to address the resale of stolen goods and increase penalties for ORC (Congressional Research Service, 2020). 2. Collaboration: Partnerships between retailers, law enforcement, and the community are essential (National Retail Federation, 2021). 3. Technology and Data Analysis: The use of data analytics and advanced surveillance to identify and prevent ORC (Smith, 2022). 4. Consumer Awareness: Educating consumers about the impact of purchasing stolen goods (National Association of Shoplifting Prevention, 2020). Organized retail crime is a complex problem with significant economic and societal implications. A multifaceted approach that includes stronger legislation, collaboration, and the use of technology is essential to mitigate the impact of ORC.

RETAIL CRIME CONTINUES TO BE A HOT TOPIC IN 2025 Crime in general remains a top concern, according to a report the National Retail Federation released last month, a survey of loss prevention and security executives at 164 mid-size to large retailers. Such executives at more than 82 of those companies agreed that certain issues, all related to crime, were more of a concern than they had been a year before, including: shoplifting, return fraud, #organizedretailcrime, repeat offenses and theft related to the in-store pickup or return of merchandise ordered online. https://lnkd.in/gVSnczrB #ORC #retailcrime #theft #fraud #RetailVoices #topretailexpert Daphne Howland #nrf #lossprevention

The latest release from the Office for National Statistics has shown shoplifting figures at a new record high, reaching almost half a million incidents in the year to March. The official figures are still playing catch up to the reality of what's happening on the ground. 500,000 thefts in the convenience sector alone would equate to less than one incident a month per store (!) The actual extent of theft is more than 10x this, which is why it's so important to keep reporting - only then will the police get a more accurate picture of what's going on. https://lnkd.in/dPDuAff9

As retailers grapple with shrink and theft, the data used to measure these issues is becoming increasingly unreliable, and we're left with more questions than answers. While organized retail crime, shoplifting, and cargo theft remain concerns, self-checkout policies, locked merchandise, and loss prevention strategies are evolving in response. With fewer retailers reporting shrink data and changing public policy, what’s next in the fight against retail crime? #RetailCrime #Shrink #LossPrevention #RetailTrends #OrganizedRetailCrime #RetailNews

A very well written article that illustrates the severity of Organized Retail Crime in Canada. To be clear, the effects of retail crime are not limited to the businesses involved. In many cases, organized retail crime networks are responsible for large-scale theft operations that extend well beyond individual store robberies. These sophisticated and well-run criminal organizations often use the profits from the sale of stolen goods to fund other illicit activities and violent crimes in our communities, contributing to broader societal instability and undermining local economies and the safety of our communities. We must take a harder position towards fighting organized retail crime as it’s an issue that impacts us all. https://lnkd.in/edKUxJ_z

💼 Organized Retail Theft Ring Busted! 💄🛍️ A major bust just rocked the retail world! A shoplifting ring swiped nearly $2M in cosmetics and clothes from big-name stores like Macy's, Victoria's Secret, and Ulta Beauty, reselling the loot in New York City and the Dominican Republic. Five New Yorkers are now facing felony charges thanks to a law recently signed by NY Gov. Kathy Hochul. This crackdown couldn't come at a better time as we dive into the holiday shopping season. 🌲✨ Did you know businesses lose around $100 billion annually to organized retail theft? This impacts us all, with the average family paying $500 more each year. So, as you hunt for holiday deals, remember to shop from reputable retailers. If a deal feels too good to be true, it probably is. This case serves as a powerful reminder to support legitimate establishments and ensure we're not funding criminal activities. Stay vigilant and shop smart, everyone! Let's keep the holiday cheer intact by deterring crime and supporting our local businesses. What are your thoughts on this issue? Drop a comment below! ⬇️ #RetailSecurity #ShopSmart #HolidayShopping2024

Organized retail crime remains a serious problem for retailers across the country and around the world. Every day, there are countless stories about criminal enterprises victimizing stores, threatening the safety of customers and employees, and the very fabric of the retail industry. To give you a better feel for the vast impact of the problem, we have provided a glimpse into just a few of the incidents that took place in the month of December, 2024. https://lnkd.in/g2wt44mx

Shoplifting reached an all-time high with 20 million incidents last year, according to the British Retail ConsortiumRetail crime has reached record levels and is “spiralling out of control”, with shop workers increasingly facing threats, assaults and racial and sexual abuse, a survey has found. More than 2,000 daily incidents of ­violence and abuse were reported across the UK in the year to April 2024, up from 1,300 the year before. Theft reached an “all-time high” with 20 million incidents last year, costing retailers £2.2 billion, up £400 million on the 2023 figures, according to the British Retail Consortium, a trade association for UK retail businesses

Another lie ABC and CBS as well as NBC spread was crime was gonna end after cops got defunded ? Remember ? Hahaaha retail crime and violence is up 93% in most major cities. With its “Impact of Retail Theft & Violence 2024” study, the National Retail Federation (NRF) is highlighting the severity of this issue. For instance, despite the continuous efforts by retailers to combat such crimes and a growing number of states that have updated their laws to prosecute organized retail crime as felonies, the number of retail theft incidents continues to climb. https://lnkd.in/e-3XQtRW