Organized retail crime (ORC) is a growing challenge affecting retailers of all sizes. Unlike typical shoplifting, ORC is planned, coordinated, and often involves groups of individuals working together to target stores, resell stolen goods, and exploit weaknesses in security. The impact of ORC can be significant, affecting everything from inventory loss and employee morale to the customer experience and a store’s bottom line.
Below, we’ll break down what organized retail crime entails, why it’s on the rise, and what steps retailers can take to protect their businesses.
What Is ORC?
Organized retail crime is the systematic theft of retail goods with the intent to resell them. Unlike impulsive or individual shoplifting incidents, ORC operations are coordinated, involving multiple people and sometimes sophisticated methods. These groups often target high-value items like electronics, clothing, and cosmetics, which can be easily sold on secondary markets. The stolen merchandise is often resold through online marketplaces, pawnshops, or within other retail channels.
ORC differs from petty theft in its organization and impact. It’s often connected to other illegal activities, such as identity theft, drug trafficking, and even gang-related crime. These criminals aren’t just stealing for personal use; they’re operating with the intent to profit on a larger scale.
Why Is ORC Growing?
Organized retail crime has been on the rise for several reasons:
1. E-Commerce Growth: Online marketplaces have made it easier for stolen goods to be sold anonymously, making detection and prevention more challenging for retailers.
2. Low Prosecution Rates: In some regions, theft below a certain monetary threshold is considered a misdemeanor, which may discourage prosecution or penalties. This leniency sometimes emboldens ORC groups.
3. Economic Factors: Financial pressures can contribute to the increase in ORC, as criminals take advantage of economic downturns to resell products for cash.
With these growing concerns, understanding ORC and how to defend against it is crucial for today’s retailers.
Steps Retailers Can Take to Combat ORC
While the threat of ORC is complex, there are effective steps retailers can take to mitigate its impact. Here are some recommended strategies:
Strengthen In-Store Security
Investing in comprehensive security solutions is key. This can include visible deterrents like security guards, surveillance cameras, and regular security audits. Trained security staff
can not only help deter theft but also identify suspicious behavior and intervene appropriately.
Enhance Inventory Management
Implementing real-time inventory tracking systems can help stores identify theft trends and quickly spot discrepancies. Many modern POS systems can provide data to help with loss prevention, allowing retailers to monitor high-risk items more closely.
Build Partnerships with Law Enforcement
Retailers don’t have to fight ORC alone. Establishing relationships with local law enforcement and participating in industry networks or information-sharing groups can make a significant difference. Collaborative efforts help retailers stay informed on ORC trends and build a united front against organized crime.
As ORC continues to evolve, so must the strategies to combat it. Working with an experienced security partner like Retail Security Services gives retailers access to dedicated professionals who understand the complexities of ORC. RSS helps retailers maintain safe, secure environments that deter ORC groups from targeting your store.
Organized retail crime is a serious threat, but it’s one that can be mitigated with knowledge, proactive planning, and strong partnerships. As experts in security solutions, Retail Security Services is here to support retailers with the tools and expertise needed to reduce risks and create a safer shopping environment.
Reach out if you’d like to learn more about how RSS can help protect your business. Together, we can combat organized retail crime and create a safer retail experience for everyone.