Retailers in the United States are grappling with rising incidents of theft and violence, as highlighted in a recent report from the National Retail Federation (NRF). The data reveals an alarming trend, with an 18% increase in the average number of shoplifting incidents reported last year, following an astonishing 93% increase from 2019 to 2023.
The NRF’s vice president for asset protection and retail operations, David Johnston, noted that criminals are diversifying their tactics, moving beyond traditional shoplifting methods to include cargo theft and refund-and-return scams. “If you make it more difficult to steal one way, they just pivot and change direction,” Johnston explained, underscoring the adaptive nature of retail crime.
Escalating Violence and New Tactics
The report indicates that threats or acts of violence associated with theft events have also grown, increasing by 17%. Retailers are witnessing a surge in various criminal activities, including phone scams, digital fraud, and organized retail crime (ORC). “They’re starting to expand in their methods,” Johnston stated, noting significant increases in cargo theft and return fraud, as well as scams targeting gift cards rather than physical merchandise.
The NRF’s survey encompassed 70 retail companies representing 168 brands across diverse sectors such as clothing, food, electronics, and health and beauty. Johnston remarked on the broader implications of these crimes, stating that the scale and frequency of thefts are not typically associated with personal need, but rather organized efforts to profit from stolen goods.
Legislative Efforts and Retailer Responses
In response to the escalating threat, the NRF is advocating for the passage of the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act. This legislation aims to enhance cooperation among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Johnston emphasized that the federal law would help dismantle jurisdictional barriers and improve coordination and information sharing among investigators, ultimately aiding in the prosecution of larger organized crime groups.
While retailers are seeing some progress in addressing these challenges, it often involves measures that can detract from the customer experience, such as locking up merchandise. Retailers are also focusing on employee training to ensure staff members are equipped to handle theft situations safely and effectively.
Additionally, changes in store layouts and investments in anti-theft technology, including enhanced lighting and surveillance systems, are becoming standard practices. “The concern over theft is significant not just in terms of product loss,” Johnston noted. “It’s more about the safety of employees and customers, and the overall shopping environment.”
As retailers navigate these complex challenges, the focus remains on maintaining safety and security while delivering a positive shopping experience for customers. The landscape of retail crime continues to evolve, requiring businesses to adapt swiftly to protect their assets and their people.
