With organised retail crime (ORC) on the rise across the United States, the National Retail Federation (NRF) marked its third annual “Fight Retail Crime Day” to advocate for strong legislative measures and spotlight effective crime prevention strategies.
According to David French, Executive Vice President of Government Relations at the NRF, “Organised retail crime – and the violence associated with it— continues to plague retailers, consumers and communities throughout the United States.”
This year’s event centres on supporting the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, a proposed federal law aimed at coordinating resources among law enforcement agencies to address the widespread theft that impacts retailers of all sizes.
In preparation, the NRF organised in-store visits for policymakers across several states, including California, Virginia, and West Virginia, to provide “firsthand insight on the impact of ORC, theft, and violence in local communities.”
French emphasised the industry's collective push, stating, “NRF is mobilising the retail industry for Fight Retail Crime Day as we pursue every avenue to pass the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act.”
Signs of shoplifting surge during holidays
As the festive season approaches, security experts are advising retailers to prepare for a potential increase in theft.
Shahzad Ali, CEO of Get Licensed, notes that “with increased footfall comes increased risks. Shoplifters often take this period as an opportunity to steal items, particularly if staff are busy and security is limited.”
Ali shared that individuals who “frequently visit but rarely buy anything” and display “nervous behaviour, avoiding eye contact with staff, fidgeting and appearing anxious” could signal potential shoplifters.
Ali further highlighted distraction tactics often used by shoplifters, where one person distracts staff by asking questions while others commit the theft.
“They might also request the clerk to go and ‘check the back’ for an item or will ask questions about items behind the till but not buy anything as a result,” he said, adding that tag-swapping schemes are becoming common, where “the shoplifter will then distract at the till to reduce the chances of the clerk noticing the discrepancy.”
Enhanced security measures in place
Many retailers are bolstering their security measures to deter would-be criminals. According to Ali, deploying a dedicated security team is highly effective. “Having a few trained security guards on hand can be a great deterrent for shoplifters,” he explains.
Increased staffing also helps: “Staff should also be well-equipped with customer service skills, providing a pleasant environment for shoppers … but it will also reduce the notability of CCTV cameras and increased security levels,” said Ali.
Another vital element is fostering a close relationship with law enforcement agencies, which, as Ali points out, “can make a significant difference in apprehending and prosecuting shoplifters.”
This year’s “Fight Retail Crime Day” highlights the retail industry's proactive approach to tackling ORC, advocating for legislative action and sharing critical security strategies.
The NRF has now recognised over 150 Congress members as “Retail Crime Fighters” for backing the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, bringing the industry one step closer to a more coordinated fight against retail crime.
