A bipartisan group of over 75 House lawmakers is urging the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to take decisive action against organized retail crime (ORC), citing its increasing impact on businesses, communities, and public safety. The lawmakers are specifically calling for the establishment of an organized retail crime coordination center within DHS to enhance law enforcement efforts and mitigate the threats posed by these criminal networks.
Receipt checks at stores are becoming increasingly common, but they are facing heavy pushback from shoppers. Customers argue that they have already paid for their items and should not be subjected to further inspections. However, many stores have the legal right to ask for receipts as part of their anti-theft policies. Legal experts say that while stores generally have the right to detain customers for reasonable suspicion of theft, refusing to produce a receipt is not a sufficient reason in itself. As of now, there is little concrete law on the legality of receipt checks, but as altercations increase, more court cases may provide clearer definitions and boundaries.
Walmart has announced the removal of self-checkout counters at two more stores, citing feedback from employees and customers and a desire to enhance the in-store shopping experience. The move comes amidst ongoing concerns about retail theft, with shoppers expressing fears about the safety of the affected Cleveland store. Walmart plans to replace the self-checkout lanes with staffed lanes, aiming to provide personalized and efficient service. Last year, the company faced backlash from employees over increased scrutiny at self-checkout registers and inadequate training to deal with shoplifting incidents.
Thirteen individuals were apprehended during a retail theft operation at Victoria Gardens shopping mall in Rancho Cucamonga. The bust, conducted by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and other law enforcement agencies, resulted in the seizure of approximately $10,926 worth of stolen property. The operation was part of SBSD’s Operation SMASH & Grab, which targets organized retail theft crimes.
Retail theft has surged in major cities across the US, resulting in billions of dollars in losses and the closure of numerous businesses. In New York City, retail thefts have increased by over 6.5% this year, with some stores reporting being on the brink of closing due to rampant shoplifting. The crisis is not limited to New York, as cities like San Francisco, Chicago, and St. Louis are also grappling with high theft rates. The consequences extend beyond financial losses, with abandoned buildings becoming hubs for crime and blight, further deterring foot traffic and exacerbating the problem.
Police in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, have arrested 14 people in the past week as part of a crackdown on retail theft. The thefts range in value from $20 worth of merchandise stolen from a Wawa to $1,830 at Target. The arrests are part of a campaign called “Bensalem Secure,” which aims to reduce theft with practical and sustainable solutions.
Retail theft has witnessed a significant surge in Canada, with notable increases in both the frequency and severity of incidents. Organized crime, responding to new opportunities presented by the rise of online shopping, is now playing a significant role in high-volume retail thefts. Combating this issue requires addressing structural market conditions and educating consumers about stolen goods. Leveraging technology and promoting responsible online shopping practices can contribute to effective solutions.
