The retail industry continues to grapple with increasing levels of theft and violence, according to a new study released by the National Retail Federation [NRF] and the Loss Prevention Research Council and sponsored by Sensormatic Solutions.
The Impact of Theft & Violence 2025 found that retailers reported an 18% increase in the average number of shoplifting incidents per year in 2024 versus 2023 and threats or acts of violence during shoplifting or theft events increased 17% during that same time period, indicating that criminal enterprises are becoming more brazen and dangerous.
“Retailers are contending with rising levels of theft, fraud and violence, while continuing to refine security measures, utilize technologies and partner with law enforcement in efforts to curtail loss across the retail landscape.
“While some progress is apparent, organized theft groups have expanded their scope, taken advantage of retailers’ strained resources and lagging prosecutorial support nationwide” said NRF Vice President for Asset Protection and Retail Operations David Johnston.
The 2025 report documents a troubling shift in ORC operations, moving beyond physical store theft into more sophisticated forms. The data shows that organized groups are now diversifying their criminal portfolios, exploiting vulnerabilities across the entire retail ecosystem.
More than half of retailers surveyed reported increases in phone scams (70%), digital and ecommerce frauds (55%), shoplifting and merchandise theft (52%), and cargo or supply chain thefts (50%) being conducted by ORC groups over the past 12 months.
Retailers are enhancing their security investments, and close coordination with law enforcement and the judicial system are essential to deter criminal actions against retailers. The majority (64%) of retailers say that they reported less than half of their store-related theft incidents to law enforcement. Lack of law enforcement response served as the primary reason.
NRF continues to advocate for Congress to pass the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, which would enhance coordination between federal, state and local law enforcement and provide the tools necessary to tackle the transnational nature of these crimes.
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