Different products require different strategies to protect them in-store and may require different strategies to investigate losses. We also know that products with specific characteristics are more likely to be stolen—these are typically discussed using the CRAVED model (see below). In other words, products that have more of these characteristics are more likely to be the target of theft than those that have fewer.
Concealable: Products that can be easily concealed during theft
Removable: Products that can easily be removed from their location
Available: Products that are widely available
Valuable: Products that are highly valuable
Enjoyable: Products that can be enjoyed for individual purposes
Disposable: Products that can be resold or used
For example, various power tools are “open” sold in many markets (i.e., they are removable); they are sold widely (i.e., they are widely available); they are highly valuable; individuals can use them for their own purposes (i.e., they are enjoyable); but, they are also disposable because they can be easily resold online or elsewhere. In other words, many power tools have five of the six CRAVED characteristics.
It is important for retailers, solution providers, policymakers, and the public to understand which products are most likely to be targeted. Retailers need to understand what needs greater protection and investigation; solution providers need to develop solutions to protect and investigate these products; the public needs to understand the problem to avoid purchasing stolen merchandise and to report situations where product might be stolen; and policymakers need to develop policies that focus on illegal activities related to high-theft products.
This report focuses on the responses from 105 ORC Across the States Survey participants from three sectors, including: home improvement, building, hardware, lumber, and garden (101); auto parts tires and accessories (2); or household furnishings and housewares (3). We grouped these sectors because of the similarity in products they sell, as well as the types of products that were reported as highly targeted by ORC.
We asked each of the respondents to list up to five products or product categories that are most often targeted by individuals and groups involved in ORC. The LPRC categorized each of the products into product groups or categories. These results are summarized in Table 1 below. As the table shows, the most commonly mentioned product categories include: (1) tools, (2) outdoor power equipment, and (3) electrical. However, as the table shows, there are many other product categories which are commonly affected by retail offenders.
There are many different types of products that are targeted by retail offenders. The most commonly mentioned products within the home improvement, auto, and home furnishings sectors included power tools, outdoor power equipment, and electrical. Retailers in these sectors should remain vigilant when attempting to protect these products and product categories, as well as investigating losses related to these types of products.
The full results of the ORC Across the States study are being issued in a series of reports on the LPM site. The LPRC would like to thank Sensormatic for their generous support of this survey. Watch the LPM site for upcoming articles detailing the fascinating results of this survey, including: how ORC is changing; violence and ORC; job stress; and more!