Organized retail crime is a dangerous and widespread problem and addressing it through federal legislation cannot wait. These crimes not only have an economic impact on retailers, but also a broader effect in terms of the safety of store employees and customers. According to NRF’s 2023 National Retail Security Survey, more than two-thirds (67%) of respondents said they experienced an increase in violence and aggression from ORC perpetrators compared with a year ago. Organized retail crime groups extend into other criminal activities, including transnational groups involved in human, weapons and drug trafficking.

 

Lawmakers in Washington are considering the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, which would enhance coordination between federal, state, and local law enforcement and update the U.S. criminal code to better tackle ORC.

 

We need all retail advocates to contact their representatives in Congress and ask them to support this bipartisan solution to fight retail crime.