Stay Up to Date on the Latest Organized Retail Crime News
Organized retail crime (ORC) has been increasing tremendously over the last few years. And, 2021 has seen a spike in ORC theft attacks. And with the holiday seasons quickly approaching, we should expect the retail theft to increase even more. So what’s the latest on ORC? Besides the several million dollar increase in sales loss among businesses, it’s clear to say that it has grown worse. For more information regarding organized retail crimes, read our previous blog below.
[Related: Understanding Organized Retail Crime Theft Rings]
Increase in Stolen Items Being Sold Online As Third Party Sellers
With the growth of ORC, even the most ordinary of people have become professional shoplifters. These organized retail crimes are not always carried out by gangs or who you would expect. A father and daughter in Atlanta, GA stole goods from department stores and small businesses for approximately 9 years before being caught and sentenced. They sold millions of dollars worth of goods on online storefronts such as Closeout Express and Essentials Daily Discounts.
More Theft Rings Are Crossing State Lines
What makes these theft rings hard to capture is that their hits are unpredictable. Even worse, harder to solve. Local law enforcement are often the ones in charge of investigating shoplifting as well as ORC hits. So if a theft ring targets a drugstore in a small town then a department store a week later in a town three states over, how can local officers connect the two crimes?
Increase in Theft By Conversion
There is also a rise in ORC involving theft by conversion. Theft by conversion is when an individual is given permission to use another individual’s funds or asset, but that individual ends up violating the fund or property that violates the initial agreement. It is More important than ever to conduct background checks on your vendors and increase security measures around your loading docks.
[RELATED: Theft By Conversion Explained]
Federal Legislation Has Not Yet Taken Action on ORC
You might be wondering, why is there in an increase in ORC theft and why aren’t there protective measures in place? As of now, the only recommendation for businesses to increase security measures, surveillance, and background investigations on employees and vendors. Otherwise, businesses are vulnerable to a potential crime hit.
There are, however, organizations are working to fight back. In 2012, the Georgia Retail Association Organized Retail Crime Alliance (GRAORCA) was formed to inform the community of ORC as well as push state legislation to protect retailers. Since its inception, GRAORCA has provided retailers and law enforcement a way to connect cases and establish patterns to help eliminate ORC.
As Always, CGA Solutions Is Here to Help in Criminal Investigations
When it comes to organized crime investigations in Georgia and South Carolina, CGA Solutions provides the risk assessment and ORC investigations to help you and your business get the answers you need. For more information, schedule a free consultation with a licensed private investigator today.
