Grant Baker Grant Baker
Associate Manager, Strategic Advocacy and State and Local Policy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Isabella Lucy Isabella Lucy
Graphic Designer, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Published

March 15, 2023

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Across the country, communities and businesses, both large and small, are facing a surge in theft and violent crime. This surge is due not to one-time shoplifters but to the rise in highly organized criminal groups—organized retail crime rings. 

What is Organized Retail Crime?

Organized retail crime, also referred to as organized retail theft, is the coordinated theft of merchandise by individuals and groups for the purpose of reselling those goods by passing them off as legitimate goods to unsuspecting buyers, typically online.

Highly Organized

Organized retail theft rings exploit local laws, intentionally stealing no more than the dollar-amount threshold to be considered felony theft, and employing a large number of individuals to commit a large number of thefts just below that threshold.  

Not Victimless Crimes

Many of these thefts become violent, and innocent consumers, employees, local communities, and business owners and shareholders bear the costs of rising retail theft. According to the National Retail Federation’s 2022 Retail Security Survey, 8 out of 10 retailers reported increased incidents of violence and aggression this past year.

  • 8 out of 10
    8 out of 10 retailers reported increased incidents of violence and aggression this past year

Significant Impact

In 2022, retailer losses, or shrink, amounted to nearly $100 billion dollars, of which organized retail crime is a significant driver. 

Chamber Action

The U.S. Chamber is committed working with federal, state, and local policymakers to address this serious issue.

At the federal level, the U.S. Chamber worked as part of a broad coalition to pass the INFORM Act, which takes the critical step of removing criminals’ access to  online marketplaces by requiring that high-volume third-party sellers disclose and verify their identity.  

Encourage states to pass laws defining organized retail theft as a separate offense and pushing local prosecutors to prosecute offenders to the fullest extent of the law.  

Encourage coordination among federal, state, and local law enforcement entities to bring these groups to justice. 

Read more:Organized Retail Crime 101

How does ORC Impact your State and What is Being Done? 

Organized retail crime by the numbers

Click on a state to see more information.

Less than 1%
1-5%
5-10%
Over 10%

Alabama

  • 1.28%
    Percent of total U.S. retail theft in 2021
  • $1,547,790,300
    Retail Crime's Cost to Business (including lost product costs, higher insurance costs, increased price of goods, unrealized wages, etc)
  • $784,891,890
    Total Value of Stolen Goods in 2021
  • $123,029,300
    Lost 2021 Tax Revenue

Alaska

  • 0.22%
    Percent of total U.S. retail theft in 2021
  • $613,337,100
    Retail Crime's Cost to Business (including lost product costs, higher insurance costs, increased price of goods, unrealized wages, etc)
  • $48,665,901
    Total Value of Stolen Goods in 2021
  • $7,038,600
    Lost 2021 Tax Revenue

Arizona

  • 2.10%
    Percent of total U.S. retail theft in 2021
  • $2,420,609,700
    Retail Crime's Cost to Business (including lost product costs, higher insurance costs, increased price of goods, unrealized wages, etc)
  • $1,348,384,536
    Total Value of Stolen Goods in 2021
  • $299,579,800
    Lost 2021 Tax Revenue

Arkansas

  • 0.60%
    Percent of total U.S. retail theft in 2021
  • $1,303,036,700
    Retail Crime's Cost to Business (including lost product costs, higher insurance costs, increased price of goods, unrealized wages, etc)
  • $630,123,151
    Total Value of Stolen Goods in 2021
  • $98,800,000
    Lost 2021 Tax Revenue

California

  • 12.62%
    Percent of total U.S. retail theft in 2021
  • $19,081,581,000
    Retail Crime's Cost to Business (including lost product costs, higher insurance costs, increased price of goods, unrealized wages, etc)
  • $13,780,414,032
    Total Value of Stolen Goods in 2021
  • $3,371,470,600
    Lost 2021 Tax Revenue

Colorado

  • 1.71%
    Percent of total U.S. retail theft in 2021
  • $1,631,518,400
    Retail Crime's Cost to Business (including lost product costs, higher insurance costs, increased price of goods, unrealized wages, etc)
  • $642,164,867
    Total Value of Stolen Goods in 2021
  • $139,810,700
    Lost 2021 Tax Revenue

Connecticut

  • 1.13%
    Percent of total U.S. retail theft in 2021
  • $1,513,784,300
    Retail Crime's Cost to Business (including lost product costs, higher insurance costs, increased price of goods, unrealized wages, etc)
  • $711,139,046
    Total Value of Stolen Goods in 2021
  • $169,036,200
    Lost 2021 Tax Revenue

Delaware

  • 0.11%
    Percent of total U.S. retail theft in 2021
  • $848,991,800
    Retail Crime's Cost to Business (including lost product costs, higher insurance costs, increased price of goods, unrealized wages, etc)
  • $51,029,783
    Total Value of Stolen Goods in 2021
  • $39,112,300
    Lost 2021 Tax Revenue

District of Columbia

  • 0.34%
    Percent of total U.S. retail theft in 2021
  • $590,950,800
    Retail Crime's Cost to Business (including lost product costs, higher insurance costs, increased price of goods, unrealized wages, etc)
  • $225,728,453
    Total Value of Stolen Goods in 2021
  • $7,826,900
    Lost 2021 Tax Revenue

Florida

  • 6.73%
    Percent of total U.S. retail theft in 2021
  • $676,370,900
    Retail Crime's Cost to Business (including lost product costs, higher insurance costs, increased price of goods, unrealized wages, etc)
  • $4,512,360,700
    Total Value of Stolen Goods in 2021
  • $1,016,864,200
    Lost 2021 Tax Revenue

Georgia

  • 2.44%
    Percent of total U.S. retail theft in 2021
  • $3,064,604,300
    Retail Crime's Cost to Business (including lost product costs, higher insurance costs, increased price of goods, unrealized wages, etc)
  • $1,651,813,867
    Total Value of Stolen Goods in 2021
  • $326,127,600
    Lost 2021 Tax Revenue

Hawaii

  • 0.46%
    Percent of total U.S. retail theft in 2021
  • $993,340,600
    Retail Crime's Cost to Business (including lost product costs, higher insurance costs, increased price of goods, unrealized wages, etc)
  • $415,078,635
    Total Value of Stolen Goods in 2021
  • $86,090,700
    Lost 2021 Tax Revenue

Idaho

  • 0.51%
    Percent of total U.S. retail theft in 2021
  • $766,789,600
    Retail Crime's Cost to Business (including lost product costs, higher insurance costs, increased price of goods, unrealized wages, etc)
  • $115,117,078
    Total Value of Stolen Goods in 2021
  • $18,255,100
    Lost 2021 Tax Revenue

Illinois

  • 3.61%
    Percent of total U.S. retail theft in 2021
  • $4,131,434,500
    Retail Crime's Cost to Business (including lost product costs, higher insurance costs, increased price of goods, unrealized wages, etc)
  • $2,080,190,312
    Total Value of Stolen Goods in 2021
  • $503,600,400
    Lost 2021 Tax Revenue

Indiana

  • 2.10%
    Percent of total U.S. retail theft in 2021
  • $2,436,880,400
    Retail Crime's Cost to Business (including lost product costs, higher insurance costs, increased price of goods, unrealized wages, etc)
  • $1,186,198,341
    Total Value of Stolen Goods in 2021
  • $213,032,500
    Lost 2021 Tax Revenue

Iowa

  • 1.00%
    Percent of total U.S. retail theft in 2021
  • $1,381,202,900
    Retail Crime's Cost to Business (including lost product costs, higher insurance costs, increased price of goods, unrealized wages, etc)
  • $428,497,450
    Total Value of Stolen Goods in 2021
  • $68,161,700
    Lost 2021 Tax Revenue

Kansas

  • 0.80%
    Percent of total U.S. retail theft in 2021
  • $1,442,199,800
    Retail Crime's Cost to Business (including lost product costs, higher insurance costs, increased price of goods, unrealized wages, etc)
  • $641,857,888
    Total Value of Stolen Goods in 2021
  • $110,774,100
    Lost 2021 Tax Revenue

Kentucky

  • 1.30%
    Percent of total U.S. retail theft in 2021
  • $1,580,624,300
    Retail Crime's Cost to Business (including lost product costs, higher insurance costs, increased price of goods, unrealized wages, etc)
  • $727,444,260
    Total Value of Stolen Goods in 2021
  • $121,890,700
    Lost 2021 Tax Revenue

Louisiana

  • 1.07%
    Percent of total U.S. retail theft in 2021
  • $1,843,709,100
    Retail Crime's Cost to Business (including lost product costs, higher insurance costs, increased price of goods, unrealized wages, etc)
  • $904,462,205
    Total Value of Stolen Goods in 2021
  • $154,738,200
    Lost 2021 Tax Revenue

Maine

  • 0.47%
    Percent of total U.S. retail theft in 2021
  • $926,056,100
    Retail Crime's Cost to Business (including lost product costs, higher insurance costs, increased price of goods, unrealized wages, etc)
  • $315,299,580
    Total Value of Stolen Goods in 2021
  • $66,622,200
    Lost 2021 Tax Revenue

Maryland

  • 1.72%
    Percent of total U.S. retail theft in 2021
  • $1,674,889,000
    Retail Crime's Cost to Business (including lost product costs, higher insurance costs, increased price of goods, unrealized wages, etc)
  • $830,727,145
    Total Value of Stolen Goods in 2021
  • $183,404,600
    Lost 2021 Tax Revenue

Massachusetts

  • 2.35%
    Percent of total U.S. retail theft in 2021
  • $2,455,151,400
    Retail Crime's Cost to Business (including lost product costs, higher insurance costs, increased price of goods, unrealized wages, etc)
  • $1,255,069,019
    Total Value of Stolen Goods in 2021
  • $295,890,300
    Lost 2021 Tax Revenue

Michigan

  • 2.84%
    Percent of total U.S. retail theft in 2021
  • $3,291,692,600
    Retail Crime's Cost to Business (including lost product costs, higher insurance costs, increased price of goods, unrealized wages, etc)
  • $1,866,574,413
    Total Value of Stolen Goods in 2021
  • $392,828,700
    Lost 2021 Tax Revenue

Minnesota

  • 1.89%
    Percent of total U.S. retail theft in 2021
  • $2,410,666,600
    Retail Crime's Cost to Business (including lost product costs, higher insurance costs, increased price of goods, unrealized wages, etc)
  • $1,137,020,869
    Total Value of Stolen Goods in 2021
  • $280,287,700
    Lost 2021 Tax Revenue

Mississippi

  • 0.57%
    Percent of total U.S. retail theft in 2021
  • $1,113,622,700
    Retail Crime's Cost to Business (including lost product costs, higher insurance costs, increased price of goods, unrealized wages, etc)
  • $484,514,826
    Total Value of Stolen Goods in 2021
  • $71,575,500
    Lost 2021 Tax Revenue

Missouri

  • 2.03%
    Percent of total U.S. retail theft in 2021
  • $2,449,659,300
    Retail Crime's Cost to Business (including lost product costs, higher insurance costs, increased price of goods, unrealized wages, etc)
  • $1,347,248,590
    Total Value of Stolen Goods in 2021
  • $257,682,800
    Lost 2021 Tax Revenue

Montana

  • 0.35%
    Percent of total U.S. retail theft in 2021
  • $663,245,800
    Retail Crime's Cost to Business (including lost product costs, higher insurance costs, increased price of goods, unrealized wages, etc)
  • $70,217,088
    Total Value of Stolen Goods in 2021
  • $10,768,100
    Lost 2021 Tax Revenue

Nebraska

  • 0.64%
    Percent of total U.S. retail theft in 2021
  • $1,020,586,100
    Retail Crime's Cost to Business (including lost product costs, higher insurance costs, increased price of goods, unrealized wages, etc)
  • $228,478,325
    Total Value of Stolen Goods in 2021
  • $37,234,800
    Lost 2021 Tax Revenue

Nevada

  • 0.90%
    Percent of total U.S. retail theft in 2021
  • $1,071,139,900
    Retail Crime's Cost to Business (including lost product costs, higher insurance costs, increased price of goods, unrealized wages, etc)
  • $466,283,686
    Total Value of Stolen Goods in 2021
  • $85,040,900
    Lost 2021 Tax Revenue

New Hampshire

  • 0.60%
    Percent of total U.S. retail theft in 2021
  • $898,714,400
    Retail Crime's Cost to Business (including lost product costs, higher insurance costs, increased price of goods, unrealized wages, etc)
  • $292,318,765
    Total Value of Stolen Goods in 2021
  • $59,756,180
    Lost 2021 Tax Revenue

New Jersey

  • 3.13%
    Percent of total U.S. retail theft in 2021
  • $2,971,945,000
    Retail Crime's Cost to Business (including lost product costs, higher insurance costs, increased price of goods, unrealized wages, etc)
  • $1,663,522,887
    Total Value of Stolen Goods in 2021
  • $416,546,600
    Lost 2021 Tax Revenue

New Mexico

  • 0.35%
    Percent of total U.S. retail theft in 2021
  • $819,807,400
    Retail Crime's Cost to Business (including lost product costs, higher insurance costs, increased price of goods, unrealized wages, etc)
  • $229,381,813
    Total Value of Stolen Goods in 2021
  • $37,515,600
    Lost 2021 Tax Revenue

New York

  • 6.30%
    Percent of total U.S. retail theft in 2021
  • $6,310,848,100
    Retail Crime's Cost to Business (including lost product costs, higher insurance costs, increased price of goods, unrealized wages, etc)
  • $4,073,257,635
    Total Value of Stolen Goods in 2021
  • $1,036,054,900
    Lost 2021 Tax Revenue

North Carolina

  • 2.76%
    Percent of total U.S. retail theft in 2021
  • $3,336,667,500
    Retail Crime's Cost to Business (including lost product costs, higher insurance costs, increased price of goods, unrealized wages, etc)
  • $1,928,063,528
    Total Value of Stolen Goods in 2021
  • $355,391,200
    Lost 2021 Tax Revenue

North Dakota

  • 0.40%
    Percent of total U.S. retail theft in 2021
  • $714,307,700
    Retail Crime's Cost to Business (including lost product costs, higher insurance costs, increased price of goods, unrealized wages, etc)
  • $130,990,434
    Total Value of Stolen Goods in 2021
  • $20,511,600
    Lost 2021 Tax Revenue

Ohio

  • 3.59%
    Percent of total U.S. retail theft in 2021
  • $3,944,650,700
    Retail Crime's Cost to Business (including lost product costs, higher insurance costs, increased price of goods, unrealized wages, etc)
  • $2,112,726,640
    Total Value of Stolen Goods in 2021
  • $449,418,700
    Lost 2021 Tax Revenue

Oklahoma

  • 0.81%
    Percent of total U.S. retail theft in 2021
  • $1,386,781,400
    Retail Crime's Cost to Business (including lost product costs, higher insurance costs, increased price of goods, unrealized wages, etc)
  • $662,283,715
    Total Value of Stolen Goods in 2021
  • $97,914,800
    Lost 2021 Tax Revenue

Oregon

  • 1.33%
    Percent of total U.S. retail theft in 2021
  • $1,371,609,000
    Retail Crime's Cost to Business (including lost product costs, higher insurance costs, increased price of goods, unrealized wages, etc)
  • $551,374,725
    Total Value of Stolen Goods in 2021
  • $109,822,500
    Lost 2021 Tax Revenue

Pennsylvania

  • 4.93%
    Percent of total U.S. retail theft in 2021
  • $7,723,128,400
    Retail Crime's Cost to Business (including lost product costs, higher insurance costs, increased price of goods, unrealized wages, etc)
  • $5,579,853,673
    Total Value of Stolen Goods in 2021
  • $1,246,613,300
    Lost 2021 Tax Revenue

Rhode Island

  • 0.27%
    Percent of total U.S. retail theft in 2021
  • $801,110,100
    Retail Crime's Cost to Business (including lost product costs, higher insurance costs, increased price of goods, unrealized wages, etc)
  • $213,959,136
    Total Value of Stolen Goods in 2021
  • $47,990,000
    Lost 2021 Tax Revenue

South Carolina

  • 1.34%
    Percent of total U.S. retail theft in 2021
  • $1,667,002,400
    Retail Crime's Cost to Business (including lost product costs, higher insurance costs, increased price of goods, unrealized wages, etc)
  • $910,490,660
    Total Value of Stolen Goods in 2021
  • $152,458,700
    Lost 2021 Tax Revenue

South Dakota

  • 0.24%
    Percent of total U.S. retail theft in 2021
  • $678,199,600
    Retail Crime's Cost to Business (including lost product costs, higher insurance costs, increased price of goods, unrealized wages, etc)
  • $59,139,459
    Total Value of Stolen Goods in 2021
  • $8,844,500
    Lost 2021 Tax Revenue

Tennessee

  • 2.03%
    Percent of total U.S. retail theft in 2021
  • $2,803,525,900
    Retail Crime's Cost to Business (including lost product costs, higher insurance costs, increased price of goods, unrealized wages, etc)
  • $1,740,600,916
    Total Value of Stolen Goods in 2021
  • $343,212,400
    Lost 2021 Tax Revenue

Texas

  • 8.62%
    Percent of total U.S. retail theft in 2021
  • $7,474,617,800
    Retail Crime's Cost to Business (including lost product costs, higher insurance costs, increased price of goods, unrealized wages, etc)
  • $3,869,092,381
    Total Value of Stolen Goods in 2021
  • $819,944,700
    Lost 2021 Tax Revenue

Utah

  • 1.01%
    Percent of total U.S. retail theft in 2021
  • $1,281,525,300
    Retail Crime's Cost to Business (including lost product costs, higher insurance costs, increased price of goods, unrealized wages, etc)
  • $474,852,796
    Total Value of Stolen Goods in 2021
  • $90,976,300
    Lost 2021 Tax Revenue

Vermont

  • 0.22%
    Percent of total U.S. retail theft in 2021
  • $654,467,400
    Retail Crime's Cost to Business (including lost product costs, higher insurance costs, increased price of goods, unrealized wages, etc)
  • $1,666,089
    Total Value of Stolen Goods in 2021
  • $18,420,600
    Lost 2021 Tax Revenue

Virginia

  • 2.38%
    Percent of total U.S. retail theft in 2021
  • $2,338,850,200
    Retail Crime's Cost to Business (including lost product costs, higher insurance costs, increased price of goods, unrealized wages, etc)
  • $1,348,477,150
    Total Value of Stolen Goods in 2021
  • $262,437,000
    Lost 2021 Tax Revenue

Washington

  • 3.46%
    Percent of total U.S. retail theft in 2021
  • $3,649,559,900
    Retail Crime's Cost to Business (including lost product costs, higher insurance costs, increased price of goods, unrealized wages, etc)
  • $2,700,280,387
    Total Value of Stolen Goods in 2021
  • $603,731,500
    Lost 2021 Tax Revenue

West Virginia

  • 0.35%
    Percent of total U.S. retail theft in 2021
  • $914,956,100
    Retail Crime's Cost to Business (including lost product costs, higher insurance costs, increased price of goods, unrealized wages, etc)
  • $353,647,290
    Total Value of Stolen Goods in 2021
  • $211,755,400
    Lost 2021 Tax Revenue

Wisconsin

  • 1.85%
    Percent of total U.S. retail theft in 2021
  • $647,251,700
    Retail Crime's Cost to Business (including lost product costs, higher insurance costs, increased price of goods, unrealized wages, etc)
  • $1,008,730,023
    Total Value of Stolen Goods in 2021
  • $204,234,900
    Lost 2021 Tax Revenue

Wyoming

  • 0.14%
    Percent of total U.S. retail theft in 2021
  • $220,807,900
    Retail Crime's Cost to Business (including lost product costs, higher insurance costs, increased price of goods, unrealized wages, etc)
  • $9,769,336
    Total Value of Stolen Goods in 2021
  • $1,175,800
    Lost 2021 Tax Revenue

Source: Retail Industry Leaders Association and Buy Safe America Coalition, Visualization by U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Organized retail crime has a significant impact across the country, with communities nationwide experiencing widespread economic repercussions due to organized retail crime:

  • $125.7B
    in economic losses nationwide
  • $39.2B
    in lost wages nationwide 
  • 685,374
    jobs lost nationwide
  • $14.9B
    in lost federal, state, and local tax revenue

This lost revenue has the potential to add to the tax burden which will be carried by the average citizen in other areas like income and business taxes 

$68,891,475,371 in goods stolen from retailers across the country as businesses are facing the brunt of organized retail crime. This was equal to 1.47% of all sales, and equated to theft of $214 per capita nationwide. 

Thirty-two states have passed legislation to address organized retail crime. These laws range from establishing organized retail crime task forces to defining organized retail crime as a separate offense. 

Download the data: Losses due to ORC by state 

Analysis: Read More at the Chamber’s Retail Crime landing page 

ORC Average Theft

Retail theft is rapidly growing—the average theft rose from $937 in 2020 to $1180 in 2021, while overall theft grew from $219,618,232 to $241,276, 985 during that same time.

  • $21.6B
    increase in theft from 2020 to 2021
  • $243
    increase in average theft from 2020 to 2021

Analysis:  Read more on what business owners need to know 

Small Business

Over half of small businesses say they have been targeted by retail theft, while nearly half say the issue has gotten worse. 

Analysis:Small Retailers Say In-Store Theft Is Getting Worse 

ORC Affects all Retailers

Retailers of all types are impacted by organized retail crime, which is a significant drain on targeted industries and the economy at large. 

From most to least frequently, these criminal groups primarily target:  Pharmacies, big box stores, home improvement stores, grocery stores, soft goods stores (sellers of textiles, apparel, fabrics, and similar goods), electronics stores, luxury retail, specialty stores, dollar stores, and cell phone stores. 

Organized Retail Crime Impact Beyond Retail

Organized retail crime has caused $125.7 billion in lost economic activity and a loss of 658,375 jobs. While the impact of this may be primarily felt by retailers, it is having a ripple effect across the entire economy, and sectors beyond retail are taking notice of its macroeconomic impact. 

Financially-oriented industries are taking notice of the issue of organized retail crime, showing the significant impact this issue is having on the larger economy. From most mentions of organized retail crime to least mentions in an analysis of 10-K filings: Banks, Capital Markets, Consumer Finance, Insurance, and IT Services.  

Closing 

The U.S. Chamber is committed to working with partners across the business community, civic organizations, and policymakers at the federal, state, and local levels to address the serious issue of organized retail crime. For more information on our work in this critical area, please contact Tom Wickham at twickham@uschamber.com.

About the authors

Grant Baker

Grant Baker

Grant Baker is the Associate Manager for Strategic Advocacy and State and Local Policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Read more

Isabella Lucy

Isabella Lucy

Isabella has created stunning visualizations tackling pressing issues like the worker shortage, the benefits of hiring veterans, the lifespan of small businesses, and the future of work.

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