Stopping Rising Retail Crime Requires a Layered Approach to Security

A recent survey from the National Retail Federation revealed that 50 percent of retailers are more concerned with retail crime than they were just one year ago. That same survey found that the average number of shoplifting incidents per year has risen by 93 percent since 2019, and associated financial losses have seen a 90 percent increase over that same timespan. Whether it's a sophisticated organized retail crime (ORC) operation targeting vulnerabilities or a spontaneous act by a casual shoplifter, retail crime thrives on opportunity. The most successful retailers recognize this fundamental truth and prioritize systematically limiting these opportunities for criminals.

Retailers Are on Their Own, and Security is More Difficult Than Ever

It's important to note that retail crime also encompasses issues like workplace violence. Failing to create a safe and secure environment can have a significant impact on both the customer and the employee experience. Customers won’t exactly flock to a store where they don’t feel safe, while employees operating under the constant threat of danger will experience stress, reduced morale and, ultimately, higher turnover rates. This not only degrades the customer experience but can lead to reputational damage that takes years to recover from and will ultimately lead to lost revenue.

Unfortunately, addressing these issues is only becoming more difficult. Modern communications technology, including social media and encrypted messaging apps, allows criminals to coordinate with one another and sell stolen merchandise more easily. There are entire forums dedicated to swapping shoplifting tips and tricks, where criminals in (for example) Massachusetts can share tactics with those in California. This means retailers need to be more aware than ever. Second, high prosecution thresholds have emboldened many shoplifters, who no longer fear consequences for their actions. Retailers cannot rely on the legal system — they need to protect themselves.

Leveraging Technology to Provide a Much-Needed Advantage

Moving forward will require a layered approach to security, with zones of influence spanning from the parking lot to the point of impact. Advanced technology is no longer a luxury; rather, it's a necessity for gaining a much-needed advantage. Solutions like license plate recognition or face matching can identify known offenders and notify loss prevention teams, enabling retailers to engage in information sharing to ensure they can’t simply move to a different location. Inside, retailers need a thorough understanding of where hotspots for theft exist, which items are frequently targeted, which areas have poor visibility, among other factors. Video analytics can help detect if shoppers are behaving abnormally or loitering in high-theft areas, which can prompt loss prevention associates to investigate. Simply rearranging shelves to ensure high-value items are in clear view of associates or registers can make it significantly more difficult for shoplifters to act.

Many retailers are adding security layers that transcend traditional zones. Some self-checkout kiosks are now equipped with computer vision technology capable of identifying when shoppers attempt to bypass checkout or ring up incorrect items. Body-worn technology is also on the rise, allowing loss prevention associates to capture interactions on video. This can help de-escalate a situation by ensuring the individual knows their behavior is being recorded, reducing the potential for a violent outburst while also limiting the retailer’s potential liability if an incident does take place. These solutions may not make sense for every store, but those experiencing a high level of retail crime may wish to explore more advanced options.

Collaboration and Intelligence: The Future of Loss Prevention

The 2025 US Retail Crime Insights Report emphasizes that “collaboration powers crime prevention.” There was a staggering 60 percent increase in investigations involving external collaborators (other retailers, law enforcement) in 2024, leading to a greater volume of threat intelligence and new opportunities to identify prolific offenders. Retail partners also saw a 26 percent rise in intelligence responsibly shared with law enforcement. This collaborative approach is proving effective, and 63 percent of retail crime events reported on a leading retail crime intelligence platform in the U.S. were ultimately prevented, either through apprehension, recovery of goods, or deterrence by security measures.

By connecting the dots on dangerous offender groups, collaborating with law enforcement, and sharing real-time intelligence, retailers can proactively prevent incidents and disrupt criminal networks. Advanced investigation and collaboration modules make it easy to share information securely, bringing everyone together to fight against offenders while maintaining privacy and security, adding yet another security layer and creating a united front against offenders and ORC.

Don’t Be an Easy Target for Retail Crime

Security technology has evolved, and today’s retailers can deploy layered solutions, including advanced video analytics capable of reliably and automatically detecting, monitoring and alerting on suspicious activity. Research shows retail crime isn’t going away. With continued investment in innovative technology, responsible information sharing, and strong partnerships, the retail industry and law enforcement are well-positioned to achieve this ambitious and critical goal. Retailers must act now to avoid becoming easy targets.

James Stark is the segment development manager for retail at Axis Communications, the industry leader in video surveillance.