Retailers Report Sharp Rise in Theft and Violence, New NRF Study Finds
Theft and violence continue to escalate across the retail industry, according to new research released by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and the Loss Prevention Research Council (LPRC).
Titled “The Impact of Theft & Violence 2025,” the report found that the average number of shoplifting incidents rose 18% in 2024 compared with 2023, while threats or acts of violence during those incidents increased 17%.
“Retailers are contending with rising levels of theft, fraud and violence, while continuing to refine security measures, utilize technologies and partner with law enforcement in efforts to curtail loss across the retail landscape,” said NRF Vice President for Asset Protection and Retail Operations David Johnston. “While some progress is apparent, organized theft groups have expanded their scope, taking advantage of retailers’ strained resources and lagging prosecutorial support nationwide.”
Organized retail crime expands beyond stores
The report, sponsored by Sensormatic Solutions, highlights a shift in organized retail crime (ORC) toward more sophisticated methods. More than half of retailers surveyed reported increases in phone scams (70%), digital and ecommerce fraud (55%), shoplifting and merchandise theft (52%), and cargo or supply chain theft (50%) tied to ORC groups over the past year.
The problem also extends beyond U.S. borders. Sixty-six percent of retailers said transnational ORC groups were involved in thefts against their companies during the past year. Limited law enforcement and asset protection resources, along with a lack of prosecutorial support, were cited as the leading barriers to investigating or prosecuting ORC activity.
“Reliable, industry-wide metrics are critical to addressing these challenges,” said University of Florida Research Scientist and LPRC Executive Director Read Hayes, Ph.D. “Without shared data, it is difficult to fully understand the scope of theft, fraud and violence, or to measure the impact of prevention efforts. By establishing clear benchmarks, retailers can begin to identify the most urgent risks and prioritize resources.”
Security investments on the rise
In response to the growing threat, retailers have increased spending on multi-layered security strategies. Key areas of investment include exterior and interior security and merchandise protection, such as cameras, lighting, license plate readers, locking cases and modified store layouts.
“This year’s report is a reminder of the complexities we must navigate when it comes to the growing and evolving issue of retail theft and violence,” said Sensormatic Solutions President Tony D’Onofrio. “Our retail partners are making substantial investments in loss prevention, and technology is the crucial link in enabling asset protection teams to thwart these pervasive crimes.”
Limited law enforcement response hampers progress
While retailers are stepping up prevention efforts, the report shows continued challenges in law enforcement engagement. Sixty-four percent of retailers said they reported fewer than half of store-related theft incidents to police, citing lack of law enforcement response as the main reason.
NRF continues to advocate for the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, which would enhance coordination among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and strengthen tools to address transnational crime.
The study surveyed senior loss prevention and security executives from 70 retail companies representing 168 brands and $1.3 trillion in annual sales, or 25.1% of total U.S. retail sales. Conducted from June to August 2025, the respondents largely represent large operations, with 63% employing more than 10,000 people and 56% operating at least 500 stores.