In collaboration with the National Retail Federation, Washington Retail is spearheading Fight Retail Crime Day on October 26, 2023, to spotlight the urgency of tackling escalating retail crime. The 2023 National Retail Security Survey by NRF reveals a startling figure: Organized Retail Crime (ORC) was responsible for a whopping 65% of retailers’ shrinkage in 2022. Alarmingly, 67% of retailers observed a rise in violent incidents linked to ORC from the previous year.
The retail sector continues to grapple with the menace of organized retail crime, which resulted in losses exceeding $112 billion in 2022. These intricate criminal operations have ramifications throughout the retail landscape, adversely affecting consumers, workers, and communities across the country.
Congress must take decisive action by endorsing the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (S.140/H.R. 895). This pivotal legislation champions the cause of safeguarding our retail spaces, their workforce, and patrons.
A notable feature of the bill is its emphasis on fostering collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement entities. It proposes the creation of a dedicated Center to Combat Organized Retail Crime within Homeland Security Investigations. Such an initiative is imperative for retailers to counter these nefarious activities efficiently.
Tell Congress to pass the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (S.140/H.R. 895), legislation that will support efforts to ensure the safety of our stores, employees and customers.
