Conversation with Nationally Recognized Expert in Combating ORC

Written By London Kelley

On this episode of Retail’s Most Wanted, we sat down with expert Howard Mergler, who serves as President of the Mid-Atlantic Organized Retail Crime Alliance (MAORCA) and Regional Director of Law Enforcement for the Coalition of Law Enforcement and Retail (CLEAR).

The big picture:

A detailed look into how law enforcement investigates organized retail crime, highlighting the complex web of technology, cross-jurisdictional collaboration, and investigative techniques needed to solve these cases.

Investigation Challenges

  • Pattern recognition: Investigators piece together criminal behaviors, including shopping patterns and preferred locations

  • Multiple jurisdictions: Cases often span across different states and require coordination between multiple law enforcement agencies

  • Technology trail: Investigators must track rideshare records, surveillance footage, and credit card transactions

Key Barriers

  • Unreported crimes: Many victims contact banks instead of police, making case-building more difficult

  • Retailer hesitancy: Some businesses are reluctant to share information due to reputation concerns

Bottom line: Success in combating organized retail crime requires stronger partnerships between retailers and law enforcement, along with sustained commitment to prosecution.

London Kelley
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