Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
Levels of theft and violence are increasing in the retail industry, according to a new study released by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and the Loss Prevention Research Council and sponsored by Sensormatic Solutions.
The Impact of Theft & Violence 2025 report found that retailers reported an 18% increase in the average number of shoplifting incidents per year in 2024 versus 2023. Threats or acts of violence during shoplifting or theft events increased 17% in 2024.
“Retailers are contending with rising levels of theft, fraud and violence, while continuing to refine security measures, utilize technologies and partner with law enforcement in efforts to curtail loss across the retail landscape,” says David Johnston, NRF vice president for asset protection and retail operations. “While some progress is apparent, organized theft groups have expanded their scope, taking advantage of retailers’ strained resources and lagging prosecutorial support nationwide.”
According to the report, organized groups are diversifying their criminal methods, moving to methods beyond physical stores. 70% of retailers reported increased phone scams, 55% reported digital and e-commerce frauds, 52% reported shoplifting and merchandising theft and 50% reported cargo or supply chain thefts over the past 12 months.
“Reliable, industry-wide metrics are critical to addressing these challenges,” says University of Florida research scientist and Loss Prevention Research Council executive director Read Hayes. “Without shared data, it is difficult to fully understand the scope of theft, fraud and violence, or to measure the impact of prevention efforts. By establishing clear benchmarks, retailers can begin to identify the most urgent risks and prioritize resources.”
Many retailers have increased their security investments in response to these numbers, including changing store layouts and adding cameras, lighting, license plate readers and locking cases to their security inventory. A majority (64%) of retailers say they reported less than half of their store-related theft incidents to law enforcement, with lack of law enforcement response as a primary reason.
“This year’s report is a reminder of the complexities we must navigate when it comes to the growing and evolving issue of retail theft and violence,” says Sensormatic Solutions president Tony D’Onofrio. “Our retail partners are making substantial investments in loss prevention, and technology is the crucial link in enabling asset protection teams to thwart these pervasive crimes.”
Learn how to prepare yourself and your operation against theft and criminal activity here:
Make Cybersecurity a Key Component of Your Loss Prevention Strategy
Reduce Your Risk: Best Practices To Strengthen Your Cybersecurity Defenses
Peace of Mind: Top Product Picks in the Home Security Category
