Retail Theft Violence Surge 18% 2024 U.S. National Report

Retailers are facing a significant increase in theft and violence, with shoplifting incidents rising 18% and violent threats or acts during these events increasing 17% in 2024 compared to the previous year. Organized retail crime (ORC) groups are diversifying their tactics beyond traditional shoplifting to include cargo theft, refund fraud, phone scams, and e-commerce fraud, with 66% of retailers reporting involvement of transnational ORC groups. The expansion of these crimes is straining retailer resources, and limited law enforcement response and prosecutorial support are major barriers to addressing the issue effectively. Retailers have responded by investing more in multi-layered security measures such as cameras, lighting, license plate readers, and store layout changes, while emphasizing the need for better coordination with law enforcement. The National Retail Federation advocates for the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act to improve federal, state, and local law enforcement cooperation against these transnational crimes. Experts highlight the importance of reliable industry-wide data to understand and combat the evolving retail crime landscape comprehensively.