Retail theft continues to affect stores nationwide, with recent data highlighting increases in both incidents and related safety concerns. According to a study by the National Retail Federation and the Loss Prevention Research Council, retailers reported an 18 percent rise in average shoplifting incidents in 2024 compared with 2023. Threats or acts of violence during theft events increased 17 percent over the same period.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation defines organized retail theft as large-scale merchandise theft intended for resale, often involving coordinated groups. Recent reports have detailed multi-state theft rings and high-value incidents, including approximately $180,000 in stolen collectibles from a California store and more than $9,000 in beauty products taken from a CVS location.
At the same time, some analysts have questioned elements of retail theft data, noting that inventory systems, returns, and reporting methods can also influence shrink figures.
Retailers are responding with a range of strategies, including expanded employee training, enhanced security measures, and, in some cases, locked merchandise displays. Industry experts note that no single solution has proven fully effective, and many emphasize the importance of balancing loss prevention efforts with customer experience and employee safety.
