US consumers believe retail crime has increased

More than half (55%) of consumers believe retail crimes such as shoplifting and looting stores have increased in their community since the onset of the pandemic, says a survey of US consumers by the National Retail Federation (NRF). Nearly two-thirds (64%) of consumers are concerned about gang-led shoplifting in their community. This goes up to 75% among consumers who live in urban communities. Not surprisingly, 75% of consumers have personally shopped in stores where products were kept in locked cabinets to avoid theft. As well, 79% are aware that retail theft impacts the price of good they buy. NRF has launched a grassroots campaign in support of the Combating Organized Retail Crime (ORC) Act, legislation that would equip US law enforcement agencies with the necessary tools and resources to effectively address this issue.