NRF Survey: Consumers say retail crime is increasing
The National Retail Federation has released the findings from a recent survey focused on retail crime.
Results of the survey were released in conjunction with NRF PROTECT, which takes place June 5 through June 7 in Grapevine, Texas, The event is expected to draw more than 2,000 retail professionals who will examine the loss prevention community’s most prominent issues, including organized retail crime (ORC).
Conducted last month, the survey found that half (53%) of consumers believe retail crimes such as shoplifting and looting stores have increased in their community since the onset of the pandemic. That number increases to 57% for consumers who live in suburban areas.
Other key findings in the survey include:
- Nearly two-thirds (64%) of consumers are concerned about gang-led shoplifting in their community. This goes up to 75% among consumers who live in urban communities.
- Three-quarters (75%) of consumers have personally shopped in stores where products were kept in locked cabinets to avoid theft.
- 79% of consumers believe retail theft impacts the price of goods that they buy.
- Half (51%) say law enforcement and the courts are too lenient on those who steal from stores.
The NRF has spearheaded industry efforts for policy reform on ORC legislation, including the INFORM Act, which was passed in December 2022 and will require online marketplaces to verify the identities of high-volume third-party sellers.
Additionally, the NRF has launched a grassroots campaign in support of the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, legislation. The NRF said the bill would equip law enforcement agencies with the necessary tools and resources to effectively address this issue.
The NRF conducted this survey on May 16 through May 24 and included 5,031 U.S. consumers. The margin of error for the survey is plus or minus 1.4 percentage points.
