June 28, 2023 — The National Retail Federation (NRF) recently surveyed 5,031 consumers in the U.S. about crime, retail theft, and organized retail crime.
 
Here are some key takeaways:
 

• Fifty-five percent of consumers believe retail crimes have increased since the onset of the pandemic, a figure that goes up to 57% for consumers who live in suburban areas.
• Sixty-four percent of consumers are concerned about gang-led shoplifting in their community, a figure that goes up to 75% for consumers who live in urban communities.
• Seventy-five percent of respondents have personally shopped in stores where products were kept in locked cabinets.
• Seventy-nine percent of respondents believe retail theft affects the price of goods.
• Fifty-one percent say the law is too lenient on those who steal from stores.

 
The NRF has advocated for policy reform on organized retail crime legislation, including the INFORM Act that was passed in December 2022; this requires online marketplaces to verify the identities of high-volume third-party sellers. The NRF also launched a grassroots campaign to support the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, which would grant law enforcement agencies with additional tools and resources to address retail crime.
 
For more information: nrf.com.