Retail Theft Surges 93% Since Pre-Pandemic Levels, Raising Alarms Nationwide

Despite increased security measures and stricter laws, shoplifting and organized retail crime continue to rise, straining businesses and prompting calls for federal action.

Shoplifting rates have risen significantly in major U.S. cities, with Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York reporting theft levels well above pre-pandemic figures.
Organized retail crime is a growing concern, with stolen goods being resold through local, regional, and international networks, according to experts.
Retailers report a 90% increase in monetary losses since 2019, with incidents becoming more violent; 73% of surveyed businesses noted increased aggression from shoplifters in the past year.
States have enacted stricter laws, including felony charges for repeat offenders and cross-county aggregation of theft charges, while retailers invest in measures like locking merchandise and employee safety training.
The National Retail Federation is advocating for federal legislation to enhance coordination among law enforcement agencies to combat organized retail crime more effectively.