How Rising Theft Rates Increase the Need for Retail Store Security Solutions

Professional shoplifters and other thieves cost companies millions of dollars every year. These criminals are becoming more violent and brazen, posing a danger to employees. Theft increases the cost of goods as businesses raise prices to cover their losses. The legal consequences of being caught are minimal, making the problem even worse. With these issues in mind, more companies now use digital evidence management solutions that help identify thieves and assist in their prosecution.

An Escalating Theft Problem

Shoplifting has always created a store security problem, but the issue has exploded in recent years. It worsened during the Pandemic because it was difficult to identify thieves when most people wore masks. In addition to greater numbers of incidents, thieves have become more brazen.

According to a 2022 CNN article, “Retailers have always been vulnerable to shoplifting. But the emergence of coordinated and organized robberies at high-value stores, even during shopping hours, has the industry on edge.” In some cases, stores have closed due to uncontrollable thefts.

Theft Affects Everyone

Organized retail crime (ORC) is not just about financial losses. Incidents have become more violent, putting store employees and customers in danger. Thieves are often part of well-organized groups that target high-end items like designer clothing, handbags, and electronics. The people who engage in these crimes are not desperate for money or taking advantage of one-time opportunities.

Thieves make money reselling stolen goods on sites like eBay, and increased retail crime is directly related to the growth of online marketplaces. Unfortunately, online shoppers often buy stolen goods without realizing it. Studies show that items most in demand by marketplace shoppers are also most likely to be shoplifted.

Roadblocks to Controlling ORC

Preventing retail theft is challenging since criminals will not hesitate to threaten or harm employees and customers. Loss prevention associates and security personnel typically cannot intervene due to liability issues.

Reduced police resources and lenient laws make ORC a low-risk, high-reward activity. To prevent jail overcrowding, some states have raised the threshold that determines felony theft, which can range from $900 to $2,500. Unfortunately, this makes retail theft more attractive to criminals.

Theft Reduction Strategies

Some retailers have begun using collaborative evidence management to identify criminals and assist in prosecution. Businesses compile evidence once thefts occur. The evidence also makes it possible for stores to assist law enforcement and DAs in constructing cases with dollar amounts qualifying them as felonies.

One theft is usually not enough to ensure suspects are indicted, but sharing evidence among businesses can identify a criminal enterprise. That kind of evidence can encourage the police and prosecutors to take action.

When businesses compile evidence with the help of professional evidence management solutions, they can tell the entire story. Compiled evidence includes videos of original thefts. Stores can track stolen goods, determine where they are stored, and even determine criminals’ monetization methods.

Brazen, violent retail theft is rising, reducing store profits and increasing dangers to employees and customers. Organized retail crime is difficult to control, but many companies are turning to digital management solutions designed to help identify thieves and track stolen goods. These tools provide valuable evidence that can help law enforcement and DAs build cases against thieves.