Theft, fraud and shrinkage can wreak havoc on a business, with the 2021 National Retail Security Survey reporting that the average dollar loss increased from 2019 to 2020. The average loss for shoplifting was up 71%, and dollar loss from robberies increased an astounding 816%. Fortunately, retailers don’t have to fight alone. Read on to discover resources and organizations to guide your loss prevention strategies.
NRF PROTECT. An annual conference hosted by the National Retail Federation (NRF), NRF PROTECT brings together retailers and law enforcement agencies from the federal, state and local levels. The event addresses changing threats with new strategies and shares tools and resources to combat retail crime.
National Organized Retail Crime Committee. In February 2022, the Coalition of Law Enforcement and Retail (CLEAR) formed the National Organized Retail Crime (ORC) Committee, made up of nationally recognized experts in ORC from the law enforcement and retail communities. The committee provides an opportunity for industry collaboration to make an impact against ORC and looks to partner with retailers to meet its goals.
State and Local Governments. Several state governments, including Illinois, Missouri and California, have recently established retail crime task forces that work with retailers dealing with ORC. Check with your state’s attorney general’s office or public safety office to see if any resources are available at the state level. Your local law enforcement agencies are also a good source of information.
