Organized retail crime drives up costs for consumers

One big thing

The future of organized retail crime (ORC) and its impact on consumers and businesses is a growing concern, as shared by Dave Davis, president of the Utah Retail Merchants Association, on the Retail's Most Wanted podcast.

Why it matters

ORC is not just a localized issue, it's a nationwide problem that affects the economy and drives up the cost of goods for consumers. If unaddressed, ORC can lead to significant financial losses and negatively impact the consumer experience.

Go deeper

• Utah has been pioneering efforts to combat ORC by forming a task force called Crimes Against the Statewide Economy (CASE). The task force utilizes a collaborative approach involving law enforcement, loss prevention professionals, and retailers to identify and prosecute ORC perpetrators.

• However, Davis emphasizes that staying ahead in the fight against ORC requires continuous effort and innovation. The Utah Retail Merchants Association helps drive this innovation through the use of technologies like overhead cameras and AI in stores, particularly in self-checkout areas.

• While these technologies are still being refined, they represent a step forward in identifying and preventing instances of retail theft.

• In addition to technological advancements, the association works to raise public awareness about the impact of ORC on the community. This includes educating policymakers and the public about the real costs of ORC, which extends beyond the retail industry to affect the prices consumers pay for goods.