Retail theft continues to rise across the country, prompting major retailers to invest more heavily in security, employee training, and partnerships with law enforcement. Companies, including Target and Walmart, report that theft and related violence have become one of the most significant non-labor cost pressures facing the industry, affecting store operations, staffing decisions, and customer experience.
According to recent National Retail Federation research, retailers experienced sharp increases in both the frequency and severity of shoplifting incidents between 2019 and 2023. The study found that the average number of shoplifting incidents rose significantly during that period, with reported dollar losses increasing at a similar pace. Many retailers also reported that theft incidents are increasingly accompanied by aggressive or violent behavior, raising concerns about employee and customer safety. As a result, a majority of retailers have expanded budgets for workplace violence prevention and staff training.
Large retailers are also strengthening collaboration with law enforcement. In late 2025, Target and Walmart participated in a coordinated effort with local police in Gastonia, North Carolina, known as Operation Naughty List. During the multi-week operation, officers worked undercover inside high-theft stores alongside loss prevention teams. The effort led to dozens of arrests, the filing of more than one hundred charges, and the recovery or prevention of several thousand dollars in stolen merchandise. Authorities also reported seizing illegal drugs and identifying repeat offenders.
Retail leaders have emphasized that theft prevention strategies must balance security with customer access. While some chains have locked up high-risk items, executives acknowledge the approach can frustrate shoppers. Industry groups continue to call for coordinated solutions that combine technology, training, and public-private partnerships to improve safety while maintaining a positive retail environment.
