RLP NEWS
With organized retail crime (ORC) surging across the U.S., the National Retail Federation (NRF) held its third annual “Fight Retail Crime Day” to advocate for robust legislative measures and highlight successful crime prevention strategies. This year’s event focused on supporting the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, a federal bill aimed at enhancing resource coordination among law enforcement to combat the wave of retail theft impacting stores of all sizes nationwide.
David French, NRF’s Executive Vice President of Government Relations, underscored the urgency, stating, “Organized retail crime – and the violence associated with it— continues to plague retailers, consumers, and communities throughout the United States.” The NRF organized in-store visits for policymakers across California, Virginia, and West Virginia to give them firsthand insights into the impact of ORC on local businesses and communities. French reiterated the NRF’s commitment, adding, “We are mobilizing the retail industry for Fight Retail Crime Day as we pursue every avenue to pass the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act.”
Shoplifting Expected to Increase During Holiday Season
With the holiday season approaching, security experts are urging retailers to prepare for a potential increase in shoplifting. Shahzad Ali, CEO of Get Licensed, noted that “with increased footfall comes increased risks. Shoplifters often see this period as an opportunity to steal items, especially when staff are busy and security is stretched.” Ali advises watching for individuals who display nervous behavior, avoid eye contact, or frequently visit but rarely make purchases, as these could be indicators of potential theft.
Ali also pointed out common distraction tactics, such as one person engaging staff with questions while others commit theft, or requesting clerks to check the stock room for an item. Tag-swapping schemes are also becoming prevalent, where shoplifters swap price tags and distract cashiers to avoid detection.
Enhanced Security Measures in Place
In response to rising threats, many retailers are boosting security to deter theft. Ali recommends deploying trained security guards as a strong deterrent. “Having a few trained security guards on hand can be a great deterrent for shoplifters,” he said. Increased staffing also enhances customer service, which creates a more secure shopping environment while subtly increasing security measures, making it harder for criminals to operate unnoticed.
With the combined efforts of advocacy groups like the NRF, retailers, and law enforcement, businesses hope to mitigate ORC and shoplifting this holiday season and beyond.