Retail theft is a significant issue in the United States, with billions of dollars lost each year. The National Retail Federation’s (NRF) latest survey revealed that $112.1 billion in shrinkage was recorded in 2022, up from $93.9 billion in 2021. Theft accounts for the majority of these losses, making up 65% of the total.
The rise in organized retail crime (ORC) has become increasingly violent and daring, causing concerns for the safety of both retail employees and customers. In fact, the NRF’s 2023 survey showed that more than two-thirds of respondents reported an increase in violence and aggression from ORC perpetrators compared to the previous year. This trend highlights the need for proactive measures to identify, investigate, and resolve ORC cases effectively.
To prevent future incidents and discourage repeat offenders, it is essential to gather solid evidence for case resolution. One effective solution is integrating Flock Safety license plate recognition (LPR) cameras into retail stores’ security systems. By collecting and analyzing license plate data, LPR technology provides asset protection and loss prevention teams with valuable evidence to link suspects, vehicles, and stolen goods. Integrating LPR data into investigative processes improves the efficiency and accuracy of ORC investigations, ultimately helping to prevent future criminal activity in the retail industry.
