As 2025 draws to a close, major retail groups are urging Congress to pass the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act. The Retail Industry Leaders Association, National Retail Federation, and several large chains sent a letter to Congressional leaders calling for federal action against organized retail crime. The legislation has historically received bipartisan support.
Retailers’ concerns now extend beyond in-store theft to include online fraud, cargo theft, repeat offenders, and return or credit card fraud. Safety for employees and customers is also a key focus. A recent survey by the Loss Prevention Research Council found that over half of U.S. retail workers may leave their jobs within a year due to safety concerns, and more than a third reported feeling unsafe at work.
The proposed legislation would expand federal enforcement of organized retail crime, broaden prosecutorial tools, and establish a federal coordination center for law enforcement to target criminal networks operating across state lines. Retail leaders emphasize that the bill supports both law enforcement and businesses in protecting employees, customers, and supply chains.
While some workplace safety challenges remain, data shows declines in certain types of violence and theft compared to last year, highlighting progress alongside ongoing risks in retail environments.
