The study reveals a troubling surge in violence associated with retail theft
Retail theft in the United States has seen a dramatic escalation, with the average number of shoplifting incidents per year increasing by 93 per cent in 2023 compared to 2019, according to a study released by the National Retail Federation (NRF). The report, The Impact of Retail Theft & Violence 2024, conducted in collaboration with the Loss Prevention Research Council and supported by Sensormatic Solutions, delves into how retail crime has evolved since the pandemic and the strategies retailers are adopting to combat this growing challenge.
NRF Vice President for Asset Protection and Retail Operations, David Johnston, underscored the critical need for collective efforts in addressing the issue. “Retailers continue to navigate a rising retail theft landscape that has evolved significantly over time,” Johnston stated. “Protecting store associates and customers, coupled with reducing today’s levels of violence and retail crime, requires a whole-community approach and collaboration across all stakeholders.”
Worsening Crime Landscape
The study reveals a troubling surge in violence associated with retail theft. Three-quarters (73 per cent) of surveyed retailers reported that shoplifters were more aggressive and violent in 2023 than the previous year, with 91 per cent observing a stark increase in aggression compared to 2019. Retailers experienced an average of 177 shoplifting incidents daily, with some sectors reporting over 1,000 incidents per day.
In response to escalating violence, 71 per cent of retailers increased their budgets for workplace violence training during their last fiscal year. Tony D’Onofrio, President of Sensormatic Solutions, emphasised the importance of collaboration and innovation in tackling these issues. “Retailers and solution providers must work together to build and drive technology that goes beyond thwarting theft in the moment to predicting it, so we can proactively lower the chance of violence by mitigating crime,” D’Onofrio said.
Rise Of Organised Retail Crime
Organised retail crime (ORC) has become an increasingly significant concern. Sixty-two per cent of retailers cited multi-person theft incidents as a growing challenge, with ORC incidents rising by 57 per cent from 2022 to 2023 among retailers tracking such crimes. Dr Read Hayes, Executive Director of the Loss Prevention Research Council, described the issue as a “complex and sophisticated challenge” requiring coordinated efforts from retailers, researchers, and solution providers.
The NRF study also highlighted that 76 per cent of retailers viewed shoplifting tied to ORC groups as a bigger concern than in the previous year. These highly organised groups often work in coordinated efforts to steal large quantities of goods, creating a substantial financial burden for the industry.
Push For Federal Legislation
Retailers are urging Congress to pass the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, which would enhance coordination between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to tackle the issue more effectively. Nearly all respondents (94 per cent) expressed support for federal legislation to combat ORC.
Broader Implications
This surge in retail crime underscores the vulnerabilities faced by the retail industry in a post-pandemic world. As retailers implement new technologies and strategies to deter theft and ensure safety, the study serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by evolving criminal tactics and the critical need for a unified response.
By advocating for legislative support and investing in preventive measures, the retail sector is taking steps to safeguard not just its operations but also the wellbeing of its employees and customers.