RLP NEWS
Organized Retail Crime on the Rise in Gaston County, Impacting Retailers and Consumers
GASTONIA, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Organized retail crime rings, composed of thieves who target stores like Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens, are becoming increasingly sophisticated. These criminals steal products and sell them to a middleman known as a “booster,” who then resells the stolen goods online.
“It is becoming more sophisticated,” said Stephen Stout, general manager of Eastridge Mall.
Undercover video from 2022 reveals Kings Mountain resident Jeremy Huffmann loading stolen items into a bag. Authorities say Huffmann bought goods from 15 to 20 different shoplifters at a discount and resold them to those higher up in the criminal network, earning $5,000 per week as a side hustle. A raid of his property uncovered more than $165,000 worth of stolen merchandise.
“Retailers have been forced to keep their products under lock and key,” said Gaston County District Attorney Travis Page. “When that fails, some have been compelled to close their doors.”
In Gastonia, local law enforcement, the SBI, the DA’s office, and Homeland Security have joined forces to combat organized retail theft. By coordinating efforts across jurisdictions, authorities can pursue stiffer penalties for criminals involved in multiple thefts.
“Maybe it’s a $200 theft here in Gastonia, but over in Mecklenburg County, it’s $800 or $1,300,” Page explained. “We can combine those cases, pushing them to a higher classification with stronger penalties.”
Gaston County’s location along I-85 and I-485 has made it a hotspot for these crimes. “They look for easy access and transportation, which makes Gaston County a ripe target,” Page said.
Another growing concern: 67% of retailers report that thieves are becoming more violent. As a result, stores like Eastridge Mall have introduced policies to protect workers. “We do have a no-chase policy with our security,” Stout said. “It’s not worth it.”
Stout recalled how Victoria’s Secret, a former tenant of Eastridge Mall, was impacted by organized retail crime. “They would have someone distract the salespeople while another person stuffed merchandise into a bag,” he said.
Ultimately, even innocent consumers are unknowingly contributing to the problem by purchasing stolen goods online at a discount, leading to higher prices for everyday customers as retailers are forced to compensate for their losses.
“It’s a problem,” Stout said. “It’s not unique to Eastridge Mall or the Charlotte area—it’s nationwide. And finding a solution is something we have to keep working on.”
In 2022, organized retail crime led to an estimated $112 billion in losses for retailers.