The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) has partnered with the National District Attorneys Association (NDAA) to combat organised retail crime in the US.

Through the National Store Walk Month initiative, launched by RILA and NDAA last month, retailers and district attorneys' (DA) offices are coming together to address the issue, including habitual theft and its impact on communities.

So far, the project has seen 80 store walks being hosted by RILA member retailers, including Target, Ulta Beauty and The Home Depot, to exchange ideas and share challenges and solutions to confront retail crime and violence with prosecutors.

RILA said that the project has been extended through November in response to the strong demand among DAs' offices and retailers.

RILA retail operations senior executive vice-president Lisa LaBruno said: "Retailers are committed to doing everything they can to tackle retail crime and its impact on communities. It's a complex issue that requires a multifaceted, strategic response. Building relationships and collaborating with local prosecutors is just one, albeit very important, component of that response.

"We're thrilled that such a large group of prosecutors serving cities and towns large and small signed up to participate and share in our commitment to keeping communities safe."

In June this year, retailers and online marketplaces in California partnered to sign a new organised retail crime agreement with the US state’s Justice Department to enhance the intent and purpose of the existing legislation.

The UK Government recently joined forces with police and major retailers to launch a Retail Crime Action Plan to combat shoplifting.