The retail industry is grappling with unprecedented challenges, as detailed in the 2024 report The Impact of Retail Theft & Violence by the National Retail Federation (NRF), and the Loss Prevention Research Council (LPRC).
Key findings include:
- Shoplifting Surge: A 93% increase in incidents since 2019, with dollar losses rising by 90%.
- Escalating Violence: 91% of respondents report greater aggression from shoplifters compared to pre-COVID levels.
- Organized Retail Crime (ORC): A 57% year-over-year rise in ORC incidents, significantly impacting both financials and safety.
NRF Vice President David Johnston calls for a “whole-community approach,” urging collaboration among retailers, law enforcement, and solution providers to address this growing crisis effectively.
Key statistics from the report include:
- Shoplifting Incidents:
- A 93% increase in shoplifting incidents per year since 2019.
- Retailers faced an average of 177 daily shoplifting incidents in 2023, with some sectors exceeding 1,000 per day.
- 66% of respondents reported a rise in repeat offenders.
- Financial Losses:
- Shoplifting losses increased by 90% between 2019 and 2023.
- Organized Retail Crime (ORC) incidents rose by 57% from 2022 to 2023.
- Violence and Aggression:
- 73% of retailers observed increased aggression from shoplifters compared to the previous year.
- Weapon-related incidents grew by 39% from 2022 to 2023.
- Employee Challenges:
- 93% of respondents said violence-related theft has made it harder to hire and retain employees.
- 71% of retailers increased budgets for employee training on workplace violence.
- Security Measures:
- 67% of retailers implemented additional measures to lock and secure merchandise.
- 61% increased investments in security technology and software.
- Rising Crime Trends:
- 76% of retailers reported ORC shoplifting as a growing concern.
- 62% noted an increase in group thefts involving 2-3 individuals.
- Federal Legislation:
- 94% of respondents advocate for federal legislation to effectively combat ORC.
- Underreporting of Crimes:
- 65% of retailers report fewer than half of theft incidents to law enforcement, often due to limited response or felony threshold laws.
This evolving crisis underscores the necessity for innovative and effective solutions that prioritize safety without sacrificing operational efficiency or customer satisfaction.
The Full Value of Purchek® Technology: A Game-Changer in Retail Theft Prevention
As the retail sector navigates this crisis, Gatekeeper Systems’ Purchek® technology emerges as a beacon of innovation and effectiveness in loss prevention. Designed to combat theft proactively while enhancing safety and maintaining a positive shopper experience, Purchek®Technology is revolutionizing the way retailers address these challenges.
- Confrontation-Free Theft Prevention
Purchek® stops the cart—not the person—ensuring a confrontation-free approach that prioritizes the safety of both employees and customers. By removing the need for direct interactions with potential offenders, Purchek® reduces the risk of escalating situations, minimizing the opportunity for violence. This not only protects store staff and shoppers but also fosters a safer and more welcoming retail environment, all while ensuring unpaid merchandise remains securely within the store.
- Retain Merchandise, Increase Profits
Purchek® Technology goes beyond traditional prevention methods by offering a cart-based, behavior-driven solution that actively stops cart theft at all types of exits. This innovative approach protects your products while enhancing profit margins by minimizing shrinkage.
- Advanced Analytics for Proactive Action
Purchek® Technology maximizes its full value with Purchek® Theft Investigative Services, offering actionable insights through HD event video and advanced classification. This empowers retailers with a deeper understanding of theft patterns, repeat offender behavior, and ROI validation, helping to continuously optimize loss prevention strategies.
- Seamless Shopper Experience
Purchek® is an invisible, always-on-duty solution that ensures an open and inviting retail environment. Shoppers can enjoy their experience without disruptions, as the system silently and efficiently works in the background to safeguard merchandise and maintain a safe, welcoming atmosphere.
- Flexible Solutions for Any Format
Whether it’s a grocery store, retail outlet, or mass merchandise chain, Purchek® adapts seamlessly to various retail formats, ensuring comprehensive protection across the board. Retailers can also leverage the Purchek® Calculator to evaluate the solution’s potential ROI and operational benefits, tailoring the implementation to meet their unique needs and priorities.
The rise in retail theft and violence calls for urgent, innovative solutions. As the NRF report highlights the growing challenges, Purchek® technology offers a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to protecting employees, products, and profits while fostering a safe and welcoming retail environment.
For retailers looking to stay ahead of the curve, adopting solutions like Purchek® isn’t just a choice—it’s a necessity.
Visit Us at NRF Big Show 2024 – Booth 714
Discover the full capabilities of Purchek® Technology and see how it can transform your loss prevention strategy. Meet the Gatekeeper Systems team at the NRF Big Show this January at Booth 714.
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Sources:
* National Retail Federation (NRF), the Loss Prevention Research Council (LPRC), and sponsored by Sensormatic Solutions- latest report: The Impact of Retail Theft & Violence 2024 –
* NRF- Press Release- Shoplifting Incidents Jump 93% Since Pre-COVID, According to New Industry Study
