by - Organized retail crime has contributed to a $94.5 billion inventory reduction problem for the retail industry.
- Companies from Walgreens to Target have been sounding the alarm about rising retail theft for months.
- Retail criminals steal across many different product categories, according to the National Retail Federation.
If you see locked containers of Tide detergent at your local Walmart or Target, organized retail criminals may be to blame.
A 2022 survey by the National Retail Federation found that laundry detergent is among the most stolen items in organized retail crime, contributing to a $94.5 billion inventory reduction problem for the retail industry. .
These crimes are not as simple as a lone thief taking a product. Instead, criminal organizations are stealing vast amounts of property and reselling it for a profit.
And organized retail crime isn’t the $10,000 jewelry heist you see in the movies, Jake Stauch, chief product officer at security company Verkada, told Insider.
Rather, he said a group of people who “specialize in a certain category,” like thermal coats, steal the products in burglaries or “smash and grab” jobs where they break into the retailer and then resell the products through a new distribution. channels like online marketplaces or sell the products to local retailers.
These are the most popular items for organized retail crime as identified by the National Retail Federation, in no particular order.
Dress
Denim clothing is among the items most likely to be targeted by organized retail crime.
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- denim
- Designer clothing
- sportswear
- intimate
electronics
Organized retail criminals like to target charging cables, according to the National Retail Federation.
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- Accessories
- charging cables
- smart phones
- Headphones
- vacuum cleaners
Health and Beauty
The fragrances draw the attention of organized retail criminals.
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- Medications (allergy and pain)
- fragrances
- Blades and razors
- Cosmetic products
- body wash
Accessories
Organized retail criminals can steal watches and resell them at a higher price.
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- designer bags
- Fashion and fine jewelry
- Belts
- watches
- designer sunglasses
- brand glasses
Footwear
Shoe retailers should beware of organized retail criminals.
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- Men’s and women’s footwear
- Sports shoes and sneakers
- designer shoes
Home furnishing
Bed linen is one of the main targets of organized retail crime.
Danielle Bauter
- Litter
- Household items
- Home furniture
- high end mirrors
Home improvement
Home Depot and Lowe’s have developed ways to prevent power tools from working if stolen.
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- Electrical tools and equipment
- Outdoor and seasonal tools
- Wire
Office supplies
Printers, ink cartridges, and toner draw the attention of organized retail criminals.
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- Ink cartridges
- printers
- Toner
Food and drinks
Meat and other grocery items are also stolen by organized retail criminals.
Maria Meisenzahl/Insider
- Meat
- Seafood
- Candy
- Alcohol
- Energy drinks
children’s items
Infant formula, which has been in short supply, is a target of organized retail crime.
REUTERS/Jessica Dinapoli
- infant formula
- Baby and toddler items
- children’s toys
Other
Gift cards are also not safe from organized retail crime.
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- Detergent
- Tobacco
- pet medications
- travel goods
- Physical and electronic gift cards
