Organized retail crime has evolved far beyond simple shoplifting into a complex, interconnected threat that requires sophisticated countermeasures. Traditional loss prevention approaches, which focus on isolated incidents rather than patterns across seemingly unrelated events, often fall short in detecting and disrupting these criminal enterprises. This is where innovative crime linking solutions can make the difference.
Imagine You’re a Store Detective
You’re working your usual shift, keeping an eye on the store floor. A man catches your attention—he’s lingering near high-value items, glancing around nervously. A customer catches your attention—they’re loading their cart with multiple identical items, such as several bottles of the same premium skincare product. The quantity alone suggests resale rather than personal use. Under your company’s hands-off policy, you don’t confront the suspect directly. Instead, you document the behavior, gather evidence, and report the incident.
Later, while reviewing security footage and transaction records, you notice similar patterns at other locations. The same products, the same bulk quantities. One report leads to another, and suddenly, what seemed like isolated thefts reveals a coordinated network funneling stolen goods to online marketplaces. The suspect is part of a larger ORC network operating across multiple locations. What started as catching ‘one’ shoplifter has now turned into uncovering a sophisticated criminal operation.
“This (not-so-fictional) scenario highlights how every reported incident—whether from a cashier, floor associate, or security team—provides critical intel for dismantling ORC networks,” explained Tony Sheppard, VP of Retail Risk Solutions at ThinkLP and former LP practitioner. “Crime linking solutions are designed to help investigators connect the dots across all levels of reporting, uncover patterns invisible to individual stores, and collaborate with law enforcement to stop ORC in its tracks—even in organizations without dedicated detectives.” 
Today’s Challenge: Connecting Dispersed Criminal Activities
ORC has evolved far beyond simple shoplifting into a complex, interconnected threat that demands sophisticated countermeasures. The scope of ORC extends far beyond store walls, infiltrating vulnerable points throughout the supply chain.
“Traditional security measures often focus on catching individual shoplifters, but that’s no longer enough.”
Based on recent legislative actions and crime trends reported by the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), ORC groups steal substantial quantities of merchandise, costing US retailers $121.6 billion in 2023, with losses projected to exceed $150 billion by 2026. In 2024, nine states enacted twenty-three laws to combat ORC by enabling cross-jurisdictional prosecution and increasing law enforcement funding. Seventeen states have established ORC task forces to coordinate efforts against multi-jurisdictional crime rings.
“In the past, traditional security measures focused on catching individual shoplifters—but that’s no longer enough,” Sheppard added. “To effectively combat ORC, you need to monitor, trace, and connect incidents that may initially seem unrelated. What looks like a ‘normal shoplifter’ could be part of a larger network targeting multiple locations and product categories. The ability to identify these connections is critical to disrupting these sophisticated criminal enterprises.”
ThinkLP’s Crime Linking Solution
ThinkLP’s platform leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI, fully opt-in) and natural language processing to analyze unstructured data—such as case narratives and suspect descriptions—to identify behavioral patterns with remarkable accuracy. This capability allows investigators to connect individuals to crimes across multiple locations and timeframes.
“It takes a connected network to disrupt organized crime,” Sheppard emphasizes, “and ThinkLP delivers exactly that. As the largest network of businesses linking incidents, we empower retailers to resolve cases faster by connecting critical data across organizations, law enforcement, and industry partners.”
By linking incidents involving repeat offenders, organized theft rings, and cargo thefts, ThinkLP provides a comprehensive view of criminal activity.
Sheppard directs special attention to the importance of human oversight in investigations: “Tech can’t testify in court. That’s why we put the matching in your hands. Detecting repeat offenders and confirming matches ensures that the evidence you present is admissible in court. This approach empowers trained investigators to make informed decisions while maintaining accountability.”
Collaborative Capabilities for Investigations
The true strength of ThinkLP’s solution lies in its collaborative features. Through secure data sharing across its extensive network, organizations can work together on investigations involving multiple brands, companies, and law enforcement agencies. This interconnected system creates an ecosystem where criminal patterns become increasingly visible as more data points are connected. As a result, ORC rings find it increasingly difficult to operate undetected.
Comprehensive Investigation Solutions
ThinkLP’s Complex Investigations module offers a holistic approach to managing every phase of an investigation—from the initial incident to courtroom proceedings. Key features include:
- Centralized Case Management: All details—evidence, witness statements, incident reports, related vehicles, addresses, and product losses—are tracked in one secure hub.
- Chronological Analysis: Events are charted chronologically to identify patterns or gaps in criminal activity.
- Geographic Insights: Incident locations are pinpointed to spot trends and prioritize resources effectively.
- Activity Tracking: Actions, decisions, and communications are recorded with timestamps for accountability.
These solutions unify investigations by linking incidents involving booster groups, fences, vehicles, and addresses into a cohesive case file that can be shared with law enforcement or prosecutors at any stage.
“The AI doesn’t make decisions for you; it assists you.”
ThinkLP is committed to developing AI features that prioritize transparency and accountability. The platform’s opt-in AI automatically suggests links within your organization or external sources, but ensures data sharing occurs only with permission. Matches are reviewed by investigators before being confirmed—providing flexibility while safeguarding sensitive information.
“The AI doesn’t make decisions for you,” Sheppard explains, “it assists you. By suggesting potential connections, it allows investigators to focus on what matters most while maintaining control over every step of the process.”
Real Impact on Crime Fighting
Traditional approaches to loss prevention are no longer sufficient. ThinkLP’s crime linking solution offers the advanced technology, predictive intelligence, and collaborative capabilities needed to effectively combat sophisticated criminal networks targeting your organization.
With ThinkLP, you’re not just gaining access to a crime linking platform—you’re joining the largest network of businesses dedicated to connecting incidents and resolving cases faster than ever before. Their solutions transform your loss prevention team from reactive investigators to proactive protectors of your company’s assets, reputation, and people. Safeguard your bottom line, crack down on organized retail crime, and stay ahead of evolving threats with the industry’s most advanced crime linking platform.
A New Way of Loss Prevention
Traditional approaches to loss prevention are no longer sufficient. ThinkLP’s crime linking solution offers the technology and collaborative features needed to effectively combat sophisticated criminal networks—and they are not done innovating yet. Stay tuned for more details on their image matching, video analysis, and law enforcement collaboration enhancements.
“Loss prevention isn’t just about responding to theft anymore,” Sheppard clarified. “It’s about being able to trace connections between incidents and uncover larger networks. With the right tools and data, businesses can not only resolve cases faster and prevent future losses but also create a safer environment for both shoppers and employees.”
About ThinkLP
ThinkLP is the industry leader in loss prevention and safety intelligence software, providing retailers, logistics businesses, and other enterprises with powerful tools to predict, prevent, and investigate theft, fraud, and safety incidents. Their innovative platform combines advanced AI technology with deep industry expertise to deliver actionable insights that protect assets, people, and profits.
