According to last December’s report from the National Retail Federation, theft and violence in retail are still on the rise. According to the report, shoplifting incidents alone have surged 93% since 2019, causing headaches for retailers and their loss prevention strategies. The data shows that much of the increase is “based on greed not need.”

Thieves are studying your store. Are you studying them back?

Offenders case locations, test your staff, track your product access, and identify blind spots. They’re not looking for snacks. They’re sweeping shelves, exploiting policies, and moving stolen goods through sophisticated resale networks. Organized Retail Crime (ORC) rings are running illegal businesses, and your store is a potential supplier.

The question is: are you matching their focus with a protection strategy of your own?

Retail Crime Insights and Statistics

The numbers are hard to ignore:

93% increase in shoplifting incidents since 2019
84% of retailers say violence during crimes is a growing concern
76% report organized retail theft is more of a problem than last year
Many report daily incidents, including multi-person theft events, brazen smash-and-grabs, and threats of violence

But there’s more behind these numbers:

73% of retailers say shoplifters are more violent than a year ago.
91% say violence has increased compared to pre-2019 levels.
42% of shoplifting cases in 2023 involved threats or actual violence.
39% included the threat, display, or use of a weapon.

The type of shoplifter is also changing:

62% of retailers reported seeing more two to three-person crews stealing multiple items.
58% saw a rise in individuals sweeping shelves for several items at once.
ORC tactics often include organized teams rotating across stores and jurisdictions with playbook-level precision.

In response, many retailers are investing inward:

Over 64% have added new roles or increased staffing within their LP teams since 2019.
39% increased payroll spending for loss prevention between 2022 and 2023.
42% have increased budgets for third-party security.

But retailers are adjusting. And not just with policy, but with the physical store itself.

How Operators Are Restructuring Their Loss Prevention Strategies

Here’s how leading brands are changing the way their stores function:

Locking or securing high-theft products: Cosmetics, OTC meds, tools, liquor, and even detergent are now behind cases.
Limiting self-checkout: Stores like Target are shifting back to staffed lanes to control loss and increase oversight.
Reducing product accessibility: In high-risk zones, fewer items are on the floor, and access is controlled.
Redesigning layouts for visibility: Sightlines matter. Blind spots are being removed. Traffic is being channeled. Zones are being assigned.
Staff placement as deterrent: Strategic employee visibility has returned as a core tactic.

Each store’s response varies. There is no universal fix. A boutique pharmacy has different vulnerabilities than a big box retailer. A downtown location faces different challenges than a suburban one. Smart retailers are moving away from blanket policies and toward tailored responses.

And increasingly, they are blending physical strategies with technology enhancements like RFID tracking, digital shelf analytics, and self-checkout monitoring tools. When layered into a well-designed floor plan, these systems give retailers the ability to monitor, deter, and respond in real time.

Your Store Is Being Targeted Like a System. Are You Defending It Like One?

Think about it:

ORC groups assign roles and plan their approach.
They know your product flow, entry points, and staffing patterns.
They pivot when something changes, but only if they notice.

A static security plan is no longer enough. It’s why copying what your competitors do won’t cut it. Your defense should reflect your environment, your risks, and your goals.

And most retailers don’t have time or internal resources to build that alone.

Part of the solution also lies in your internal culture. Stores that foster employee engagement, professionalism, and accountability consistently see better results. A well-informed and empowered team is one of the most effective deterrents you can put in place.

Why TAL Global Is the Guide That Helps You Get There

With over 25 years of experience working with Fortune 500 companies, national retailers, government agencies, and mission-driven organizations, TAL Global understands how criminal pressure plays out in the real world.

We don’t offer canned solutions. We offer expert assessment and tailored insight.

Whether you’re operating 200 stores or just opened your second, the principles are the same: know your vulnerabilities, understand your patterns, and create a response that’s specific to your layout, location, and customer flow.

Ready to Talk? Here’s What Happens When You Reach Out:

Step 1: You schedule a quick, no-pressure conversation with one of our security experts.
Step 2: We listen. We assess. We help you understand what to focus on next.
Step 3: You walk away with clarity. No obligations. No hard sell. Just a smarter path forward.

Let’s talk about your store, your risks, your environment, your next move.

About TAL Global

With over 25 years of proven experience, TAL Global specializes in security consulting and risk management. We deliver tailored, practical solutions for organizations facing real world threats.

Our experts are recognized leaders in comprehensive risk assessments, strategic planning, investigation, executive protection, and hands-on training. We are trusted by Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and mission driven nonprofits.

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