Organized Retail Crime: Definition & Examples

What is Organized Retail Crime? Organized retail crime is a type of retail fraud in which a group of individuals work together to steal merchandise from retailers and resell it for profit. These groups are often highly organized and use sophisticated methods to commit crimes. How Does it Differ from Traditional Retail Fraud?

While traditional retail fraud typically involves an individual stealing merchandise for personal use, organized retail crime involves a group of individuals working together to steal merchandise for resale.

This distinction is important because it means that organized retail crime is often more complex and difficult to detect and prevent.

Organized retail crime groups often use tactics such as distraction theft, where one member of the group distracts store employees while another steals merchandise, or return fraud, where stolen merchandise is returned for cash or store credit…