As of late, the world of retail has witnessed a concerning upswing in both retail theft and organized retail crime (ORC). According to the National Retail Federation's latest report, retail theft has experienced a dramatic increase over the past year, constituting a staggering 65% of retailers' annual losses. In some sectors, theft can account for over 70% of overall shrink. The implications go beyond financial concerns, as retailers are grappling with heightened levels of violence and threats associated with theft and crime.

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The Alarming Statistics

Retailers report a concerning shift in the behavior of shoplifters, with 81% of respondents stating that organized retail crime offenders have become more aggressive and violent compared to a year ago.

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Disturbingly, more than two-thirds (67%)... said that they were seeing even more violence and aggression from ORC perpetrators compared with a year ago.

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To combat this rising threat, retailers are making substantial investments in personnel, technology, and resources. Some going as far as reducing operating hours and altering product availability in stores. But is it enough to protect the customers and workers directly in harm's way?

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Parking Lots: A Prime Target

Beyond the confines of the store, parking lots have become prime targets for retail and auto theft. With customers spending extended periods in stores, their vehicles become vulnerable to theft and vandalism. This vulnerability has prompted developers, retail outlets, and others to turn to advanced security solutions, particularly surveillance cameras with capabilities for 24/7 monitoring, high-definition video, and advanced AI analytics. These parking lot cameras serve as both deterrents and tools for swift response. Many units can record license plates, providing a valuable resource for law enforcement, or determine if an individual is loitering in a given area, possibly staking out a smash and grab, rather than simply walking purposefully to their vehicle.

These surveillance systems can pinpoint incidents and alert nearby deputies. With the rise in retail theft, many cities are dispatching officers to wait in unmarked vehicles for alerts either inside malls and stores or in parking lots, waiting for the surveillance systems to issue an alert.

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Many retail locations now grant camera user access to local agencies, allowing them to view cameras in real time through the system's customer portal.

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Surveillance units are typically equipped with loudspeaker systems, floodlights, sirens, and strobes programmed to deploy countermeasures the moment an incident is triggered. For example, if an individual is caught loitering in a designated area for longer than a predetermined time, a live agent (or pre-recorded) message can be played through the speaker system while also engaging the floodlight.

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Often times, simply by having a security trailer visible in the parking lot or entrance to a store, most crime is deterred.

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The Vehicle Theft Landscape

A recent report by the National Insurance Crime Bureau reveals a concerning spike in vehicle theft rates in certain regions of the United States. With over a million vehicle thefts nationwide in 2022, parking lots are not only a concern for shoppers but also for vehicle owners. California led the U.S. in total vehicle thefts with 203,018 and Texas came in second with half the thefts at 105,133. Rounding out the top five were Washington (46,990), Florida (46,020), and Colorado (42,706). The installation of parking lot security cameras or mobile security trailers, equipped with advanced analytics, becomes crucial in mitigating these risks.

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Government Intervention

Recognizing the severity of the situation, some states, like California, have made historic investments in combatting organized retail crime. Just recently, in September 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom announced the largest-ever single investment of over $267 million to combat organized retail crime. The funds aim to bolster law enforcement efforts, enhance surveillance technology, secure more felony charges, and create specialized units to address retail and vehicle theft.

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Says Newsom, "Enough with these brazen smash-and-grabs. With an unprecedented $267 million investment, Californians will soon see more takedowns, more police, more arrests, and more felony prosecutions. When shameless criminals walk out of stores with stolen goods, they’ll walk straight into jail cells."

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Worker Dilemma

As theft incidents rise, retail workers find themselves in a challenging position. Store policies often prohibit retaliation, going as far as disciplining employees who have tried to resist thieves or call the police, leaving them feeling powerless. Some demand increased security measures, including more guards, especially in isolated areas of the store. According to a survey by the NRF, more than 41% of companies stated that employees are not allowed to stop or apprehend shoplifters. Most have been trained to simply stand back and allow thieves to take what they want and leave. The reason behind this is the potential for violence and liability that could arise from direct confrontation. This issue came to a head during a recent strike by Macy's employees in the Seattle area, highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to address both employee and customer safety.

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The Contrary Perspective

Despite the alarming statistics, some argue that the claims of retail theft increases have been exaggerated. A New York Times article, published in November 2023, points out that shoplifting incidents in major cities outside New York have fallen by 7% since 2019. The Council on Criminal Justice's shoplifting report further supports this, indicating that, excluding New York City, 17 out of 24 major U.S. cities reported decreases in shoplifting incidents.

The perceived increase in retail theft is often fueled by a combination of factors, and the influence of social media plays a significant role. The ubiquity of smartphones and the ease of capturing and sharing videos have led to a surge in viral videos depicting bold acts of theft, commonly referred to as "shoplifting hauls" or "looting flash mobs."

Regardless of whether or not retail theft has truly increased as rapidly as many think, there is no doubt that it is a very real issue that needs to be addressed with any and every tool available.

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Parking Lot Cameras

In the face of the rising tide of retail theft and organized retail crime, investing in parking lot cameras emerges as a vital strategy for retailers and property owners. Companies like Deploy Surveillance offer mobile surveillance units as crime deterrents for retail locations and parking lots. New units, such as the Blackhawk and Yeti trailers, are tamper-proof and built to withstand areas of high crime. As technology evolves, these advanced surveillance solutions not only protect against theft but also contribute to a safer shopping environment for customers and a secure workplace for associates.

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About Deploy Surveillance

Deploy Surveillance offers self-sufficient, solar-powered hybrid mobile surveillance units for cloud-based monitoring, uniquely tailored to meet the security needs of any setting. All trailers and camera units are proudly made in the U.S.A. Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, the company serves clients nationwide. For more information or to request a custom quote, visit https://www.deploysurveillance.com.