According to the NRF’s fourth annual Organized Retail Crime (ORC) survey, 85% of retailers said their company has been a victim of organized retail crime within the 12 months. The survey also found that 66% of retailers say they have noticed an increase in organized retail theft activity in the past 12 months.
Once organized retail crime rings steal merchandise from stores, they commonly sell the goods at flea markets or through online auction sites. According to the survey, two-thirds of retailers (68%) have identified or recovered stolen merchandise and/or gift cards from a fence location. And 63% also say they’ve identified or recovered stolen merchandise from an e-fencing operation.
The survey results include responses from 114 retailers representing all sectors of the industry including drug, supermarket, general merchandise, home improvement, apparel, department and specialty stores.