The big picture

The FBI views organized retail crime as part of broader organized crime efforts, and focuses on dismantling entire criminal organizations.

By the numbers

• $112 billion in retail shrink reported in 2022
• 37% of that ($41.4 billion) is from outside theft
• 58% of outside theft ($24 billion) is cargo theft

Key challenges

Key challenges include international criminal groups engaging in "crime tourism", cyber-enabled fraud in cargo theft, and criminals exploiting jurisdictional boundaries.

FBI strategies

FBI strategies involve building partnerships with local law enforcement and retailers, focusing on the most egregious offenders, and leveraging international law enforcement relationships.

Success story

A recent case in Dallas led to 101 indictments, significantly reducing cell phone store robberies in the area.

Bottom line

While organized retail crime remains a significant challenge, the FBI's thorough approach aims for long-lasting impact through comprehensive investigations and dismantling of criminal networks.

Retail's Most Wanted is presented by LVT and the Attorney General Alliance.

One big thing

Ransomware remains the top cybersecurity threat for retailers, despite the hype around AI.

Why it matters

Cybersecurity attacks have real-world impacts on consumers, from hospital diversions to school closures, yet many struggle to prioritize protection.

Go deeper

• CSOs across sectors face similar challenges, with threat actors constantly evolving tactics
• Quantifying cybersecurity risks is difficult, especially for small and medium-sized businesses
• Gift card scams highlight the overlap between cyber and physical retail crime
• AI is being cautiously explored to help prioritize threats and detect malicious files

The bottom line

While AI generates buzz, cybersecurity experts are taking a measured approach, focusing on proven threats like ransomware while exploring AI's potential benefits.

Retail's Most Wanted is presented by LVT and the Attorney General Alliance.

Frank Patercity, Kroger's director of corporate security investigations, shares insights on the evolving landscape of organized retail crime (ORC).

Why it matters: ORC is not just about property theft - it's linked to serious crimes like human trafficking and weapons offenses.

Big picture: Retailers are joining forces with law enforcement and pushing for legislation to combat ORC effectively.

Key takeaways:

1. Gift card fraud is a growing trend in ORC, recognized by retailers and Homeland Security.
2. Partnerships with law enforcement and other retailers are crucial in fighting ORC.
3. Legislative efforts like the INFORM Act and Combating Organized Retail Crime Act are vital for long-term solutions.
4. ORC investigations often uncover larger criminal networks and more serious offenses.

The bottom line: Retailers must focus on people, not just property, to effectively combat ORC and its far-reaching impacts on communities.

Retail's Most Wanted is presented by LVT and the Attorney General Alliance.