Organized Retail Crime (ORC) is on the rise, and it’s costing U.S. retailers billions each year. Unlike petty theft, ORC involves coordinated efforts by professional criminals who target businesses for high-value goods, resale opportunities, or strategic disruption. These aren’t just opportunistic shoplifters — these are structured networks that often include resellers, insiders, and even links to broader criminal activity.

From “smash-and-grab” robberies to sophisticated warehouse theft, these crimes not only create financial losses but can also put employees and customers at risk. As the FBI investigates trends like “crime tourism” — where suspects travel across state lines to commit retail burglaries — it’s clear that businesses need to take smarter, more proactive steps to protect their assets.

Common types of organized retail crime

Retailers should be aware of these prevalent ORC methods:

• Smash-and-grab robberies: Large groups rush in, break displays, and flee with high-ticket items. These thefts are often completed in under two minutes.
• Warehouse or backroom theft: This often involves insider knowledge or disabled alarms and frequently occurs after hours or during inventory shifts.
• Cargo & delivery theft: Stolen shipments in transit, sometimes using fake drivers or tracking spoofing.
• Return fraud: Thieves use fake receipts, altered tags, or stolen merchandise to claim cash or credit.

Retail crimes are increasingly bold, where criminals used decoy alarms and targeted camera blind spots to avoid detection.

Know the signs of ORC

Watch for these red flags:

• Groups entering together and immediately spreading out
• Unusual interest in cameras, exits, or store layout
• Attempts to bypass tags or disable alarms
• Repeat offenders or familiar behaviors across incidents
• Suspicious behavior during off-hours or loading times

Training staff to spot these signs early can help prevent a loss — and even save lives.

What to do if you’ve been targeted

If your business falls victim to an ORC incident:

• Secure the Scene Safely: Instruct staff not to intervene; prioritize safety.
• Report the Incident: Call law enforcement right away. Provide detailed accounts, suspect descriptions, and footage.
• Preserve Evidence: Save surveillance recordings and timestamped logs. Document inventory losses and employee witness statements.
• Notify insurers and legal counsel: Begin the claims process and understand any liability.

Speed and clarity matter when responding to ORC, especially if you plan to prosecute or recover stolen assets.

Tips for preventing ORC

Strengthen your business’s defenses with a layered strategy:

• Train staff on ORC signs and response protocols
• Limit high-value displays and secure backroom inventory
• Install strong lighting and visible security signage
• Collaborate with local law enforcement and business networks

Organized Retail Crime is a growing and evolving threat. From high-speed smash-and-grabs to calculated warehouse infiltrations, criminals are adapting quickly, and so should your security strategy.

By recognizing the warning signs and implementing proactive tools, retail businesses can better deter, detect, and defend against ORC. If you’ve already been a victim, know that swift action and a strong security partner can make all the difference in recovery and prevention.

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