The Rise of Organized Retail Crime: 2024 Trends and How to Prepare for 2025

The Rise of Organized Retail Crime: 2024 Trends and How to Prepare for 2025

Organized Retail Crime (ORC) continues to pose significant challenges for retailers globally. According to the New York Post, shoplifting incidents in the U.S. surged by 24% during the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, creating a pressing need for retailers to address this growing issue effectively.

Key ORC Trends of 2024

Increased Sophistication in Tactics

Criminal networks are employing advanced methods, including the use of technology to coordinate thefts and evade detection. Thomson Reuters reports that these evolving tactics have resulted in substantial financial losses for retailers and are becoming harder to counter without technological interventions.

Exploitation of Legal Loopholes

In many jurisdictions, laws prevent the arrest of individuals for thefts under a certain monetary threshold, often $1,000. According to the Brennan Center for Justice, these legal loopholes are frequently exploited by organized groups, leading to repeat offenses that cumulatively result in significant losses.

Targeted High-Value Goods

Retailers have reported a rise in theft of high-value items such as electronics and designer apparel. These goods are attractive for resale on secondary markets. DealAid notes that these targeted thefts are a primary contributor to the rising costs associated with retail shrink.

Collaboration Among Criminal Groups

There is an increasing trend of organized groups coordinating across regions to execute thefts. This makes it more challenging for individual retailers to combat these crimes effectively. According to a Congressional Research Service report, these collaborative efforts among ORC groups have amplified the complexity of combating retail crime.

Impact on Employee and Customer Safety

Beyond financial losses, ORC incidents have created unsafe environments for employees and shoppers. Thomson Reuters highlights how incidents of aggression and violence during theft attempts have increased, underscoring the need for robust security measures.

Predictions for ORC in 2025

Heightened Digital Coordination

ForceMetrics predicts that ORC groups will increasingly utilize digital tools for planning and executing thefts, requiring retailers to adopt advanced technological solutions to counter these threats effectively.

Stronger Collaboration Among Retailers

To combat ORC effectively, retailers will need to share information and strategies. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce recommendations for combating organized retail crime in 2024, such as fostering stronger retailer collaboration and sharing data, remain highly relevant as we look toward addressing similar challenges in 2025.

Increased Use of AI in Security

The adoption of AI-driven surveillance systems is expected to grow significantly. According to Forbes, these systems will provide retailers with enhanced capabilities to detect and prevent organized theft activities, making them a critical tool for 2025.

How i3 International Can Help Prepare for 2025

At i3 International, we specialize in addressing ORC through advanced AI-driven solutions. Here’s how our tools can help:

i3Ai Sentry for Identifying Repeat Offenders

Our facial recognition technology assists retailers in identifying and monitoring repeat offenders, enabling proactive measures to prevent theft.

Trajectory Anomaly for Detecting Suspicious Behaviors

By analyzing movement patterns within retail environments, our system detects unusual behaviors indicative of potential theft, allowing for timely intervention.

Comprehensive Incident Reporting

Our solutions provide detailed reporting capabilities, facilitating trend analysis and supporting collaboration with law enforcement agencies.

Proactive Loss Prevention

With real-time alerts and anomaly detection, our technology empowers retailers to act swiftly, minimizing losses and enhancing overall security.

Conclusion

As ORC tactics continue to evolve, it is imperative for retailers to adopt proactive and technologically advanced strategies. i3 International's AI-driven solutions are designed to equip businesses with the tools necessary to effectively combat these challenges, ensuring a safer and more secure retail environment.

Learn more about how we can help: Visit i3 International