The retail industry is facing growing challenges from theft and violence, with shoplifting and organized crime incidents increasing sharply last year, according to a new report from the National Retail Federation .

The Impact of Theft & Violence 2025 study found an 18% jump in shoplifting incidents in 2024 compared with the previous year, while threats or acts of violence during thefts rose 17%.

“Organized theft groups have expanded their scope, taking advantage of strained resources and lagging prosecutorial support," said David Johnston, the NRF’s vice president for asset protection.

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More than half of surveyed retailers reported increases in phone scams, online fraud and cargo theft linked

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