The latest survey from The National Retail Federation (NRF) shows 2 out of 3 stores nationwide are seeing an increase in organized retail thefts, where a group of thieves or shoplifters invade a store for coordinated stealing.
The report found that 97% of retailers have been victimized by organized retail crime in the past year and 68% had seen an increase in such activity. “They’ll come into the retail store in bulk with a list of items, usually non-durable goods, something they can steal and then sell quickly to convert it to cash, hit a location, grab everything they can,” NRF Vice President for Loss Prevention Bob Moraca said.
The survey finds the overall National average from gangs of shoplifters is just over $700,000 per $1 billion in sales. “The trend is that this type of theft is moving up and for a number of reasons. It’s very profitable. They can sell these items quickly and convert them to cash,” Moraca said.
In New Jersey, theft of up to $200 is a misdemeanor (disorderly persons) crime. The defendant faces a maximum six-month jail term and up to a $1,000 fine. A stolen item worth $200 to $500 is a fourth-degree felony with up to a 1 1/2-year prison term plus a $10,000 fine… New Jersey101.5
