Retail Theft Soars by 93% Since 2019: A Crisis Demands Urgent Action and Collaboration

The alarming rise in retail theft has reached staggering levels, with the National Retail Federation (NRF) reporting that incidents of shoplifting have surged by 93% since 2019. This sharp increase, analyzed in collaboration with the Loss Prevention Research Council and Sensormatic, highlights a troubling trend that retail executives are grappling with as they navigate a changing landscape of crime. The surge in theft has been attributed to several factors, including the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, which created an environment conducive to stealing. Empty storefronts and unmonitored public spaces became prime targets for opportunistic thieves. However, the data suggests that this spike in crime is not merely a lingering effect of the pandemic. In fact, between 2022 and 2023 alone, retailers noted a 26% increase in shoplifting incidents, translating to nearly 177 thefts occurring each day last year. Traditionally, shoplifting was often viewed as a crime driven by necessity or impulse, with individuals stealing items for personal use or to quickly sell for cash. But the nature of retail theft has evolved. Retail criminals are becoming increasingly organized, employing sophisticated methods and collaborative strategies that blur the lines between opportunistic theft and organized retail crime (ORC). Many retailers have observed that thefts now often involve multiple individuals working together to conduct "shelf sweeps," where they steal multiple items in a single incident, a clear departure from individual acts of desperation. The report identifies a disturbing trend: a significant rise in violent behavior accompanying the thefts. Three-quarters of retail executives reported that thieves are acting with increased aggression, with a staggering 91% noting a rise in violent incidents since 2019. In particular, incidents involving threats or acts of violence during shoplifting have increased by 42%, while threats or actual displays of weapons have risen by 39%. Such alarming statistics highlight the urgent need for retailers to address not only the loss of merchandise but also the safety of their staff and customers. As retailers adapt to these challenges, many are implementing measures aimed at enhancing security, such as locking up merchandise, hiring more security personnel, and even reducing store hours. However, these strategies come at a cost. Retail executives are acutely aware that the measures taken to safeguard stores can create a negative shopping experience—a sentiment echoed by 76% of respondents. Despite these challenges, retailers are reporting a higher rate of apprehensions and arrests related to shoplifting. In 2023, there was a 64% increase in apprehensions and an 83% rise in arrests compared to 2019. Yet, the ongoing issue of retail crime has made it increasingly challenging to recruit and retain employees, with 93% of executives acknowledging difficulties in staffing due to safety concerns. To combat this escalating threat, the NRF emphasizes the necessity for a coordinated approach that involves not only retailers but also lawmakers, community leaders, and law enforcement. Suggestions include the passage of legislation that would allow for the aggregation of multiple thefts into a single charge, thus imposing harsher penalties on repeat offenders. At the federal level, the NRF is advocating for the Combatting Organized Retail Crime Act, which aims to improve coordination among law enforcement agencies. Moreover, the NRF encourages retailers to improve their reporting practices, as many admit to underreporting theft incidents to authorities. A lack of timely response from law enforcement and the fact that many thefts fall below felony thresholds often discourage retailers from pursuing charges. As this crisis unfolds, it is clear that the fight against retail crime requires a collective effort. Retailers, law enforcement, and lawmakers must come together to develop comprehensive strategies that not only address the immediate threats but also restore safety and security to our shopping environments. The growing wave of organized retail crime is not just a concern for businesses; it poses a significant risk to the communities they serve and the livelihoods of countless employees.