Retailers, the NRF Unite to Raise Awareness on Third Annual ‘Fight Retail Crime Day’

Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, the National Retail Federation (NRF) marked its third annual “Fight Retail Crime Day,” a dedicated day for the retail industry to advocate for the passage of the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act and promote other key initiatives aimed at curbing retail theft.

“Organized retail crime (ORC) – and the violence associated with it—continues to plague retailers, consumers, and communities across the United States,” said David French, NRF Executive Vice President of Government Relations. “These crimes occur with regularity, regardless of retailer, location, or merchandise. NRF is mobilizing the retail industry for Fight Retail Crime Day as we pursue every avenue to pass the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act.”

In preparation for this year’s event, the NRF coordinated nearly a dozen store tours across states such as California, Arizona, Louisiana, Virginia, Illinois, and West Virginia. These tours aimed to provide policymakers with an on-the-ground understanding of the impact of ORC, theft, and associated violence on local communities. Additionally, the NRF led a letter to Congress signed by 211 organizations supporting the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act. The bipartisan legislation would establish a national coordination center to pool resources and expertise from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and retail representatives to address retail crime effectively.

As part of this initiative, the NRF also recognized over 150 members of Congress as “Retail Crime Fighters” for their support of the legislation.

The National Retail Federation (NRF) plays a critical role in helping retailers tackle organized retail crime (ORC) through various initiatives, resources, and advocacy efforts aimed at strengthening defenses and shaping policies to deter theft. Here’s how the NRF supports retailers in this effort:

1. Policy Advocacy and Legislative Support

• The NRF actively advocates for federal and state legislation to combat ORC, notably through support of the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act. This proposed bipartisan law would create a national coordination center, bringing together law enforcement and industry stakeholders to share resources and expertise.
• In addition, NRF organizes national days of action, like Fight Retail Crime Day, where retailers collaborate with policymakers to push for legislative reforms and highlight the real-world impacts of ORC.

2. ORC Surveys and Research

• The NRF conducts annual ORC surveys that assess crime patterns, theft tactics, and emerging trends across the retail industry. This research informs retailers on best practices and gives policymakers concrete data on the scale and severity of ORC, providing a foundation for creating impactful laws.
• Through data sharing and analysis, NRF offers insights into the cost and frequency of ORC, arming retailers and law enforcement with information to address the issue proactively.

3. Security Partnerships and Tools

• The NRF works closely with various security organizations and law enforcement to create resources like crime prevention toolkits and guidance on anti-theft technologies for retailers.
• They encourage partnerships with law enforcement, enhancing response times and helping retailers install preventive measures, such as loss prevention technologies and surveillance systems.

4. Retailer Education and Training

• NRF offers training programs for retailers, including workshops, webinars, and certification courses, to equip them with knowledge and tools to counteract ORC.
• Through events like NRF PROTECT, the NRF hosts security-focused gatherings where industry leaders can exchange strategies on loss prevention and learn about emerging anti-theft technologies and methods.

5. Engagement with Online Marketplaces

• With ORC increasingly tied to the resale of stolen goods, the NRF works with online marketplaces to limit the sale of stolen merchandise and reduce incentives for theft. They promote transparency and traceability in online resale, supporting legislation that requires verification of high-volume sellers.

6. Recognition and Support for Key Stakeholders

• The NRF acknowledges “Retail Crime Fighters,” including members of Congress and law enforcement officials who support anti-ORC measures, to strengthen alliances against organized retail crime and reinforce community trust.

Through these multi-faceted approaches, the NRF empowers retailers to take a strong stand against organized retail crime, fostering a safer shopping environment and advocating for long-term solutions.