In the fight against organized retail crime (ORC), San Diego County is stepping forward with a bold and highly visible solution. It’s simple. It’s strategic. And it just might set the tone for jurisdictions across the country.
The San Diego Organized Retail Crime Alliance (SDORCA), in partnership with the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, has launched a new crime deterrence program centered on something you might not expect: a 4×5-inch window sticker—one that carries real legal weight and unmistakable messaging.
These decals, now appearing in storefront windows throughout the county, read in part:
“This business is protected by San Diego County’s Retail Theft Initiative.”
Organized retail crime continues to grow in both scale and sophistication, impacting not just merchandise loss but also store safety, operational costs, and community trust. In California alone, retail theft is estimated to cost businesses billions annually. Local incidents, often involving repeat offenders and coordinated groups, are increasingly tied to larger criminal networks. The ripple effects include increased prices, store closures, and safety concerns for both workers and customers.
The message is backed by action. It reinforces the county’s commitment to holding retail theft offenders accountable under California Penal Code §490.4 and Proposition 36. More than just signage, it’s a visible declaration that theft in San Diego is not a low-risk crime—and it won’t be treated like one. The deterrent power lies in its full circle backing: from store-level cooperation to law enforcement response to prosecutorial followthrough. Everyone—retailers, law enforcement, prosecutors, and the community—has a role.
A Message with Weight
What sets this effort apart is the credibility behind the sticker. It’s not a generic warning or vague policy statement. It’s the product of an unprecedented partnership between law enforcement and the retail sector, built on trust, shared intelligence, and mutual accountability.
When a business posts this sticker, it signals alignment with local law enforcement and prosecutors. It means the business is taking an active role in addressing ORC—reporting incidents, sharing intelligence, and committing to supporting investigations and prosecutions. It’s also a show of support for employees and the broader community—a visible pledge to create safer, more accountable spaces.
The program is just one visible part of a deeper, ongoing collaboration between SDORCA and the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office. Both organizations are working hand-in-hand sharing data, identifying trends, and developing joint strategies to reduce the impact of ORC throughout the region.
“We’re proud to fundamentally and financially support this initiative. It reflects exactly what SDORCA stands for—proactive partnership, accountability, and innovation,” said the SDORCA Board of Directors. “By building strong relationships and coordination across retail, law enforcement, and the community, we’re focused on making a real impact, creating safer spaces for both businesses and the people they serve.”
Distribution through Partnership
This isn’t a top-down directive. It’s a grassroots movement, driven by cross-functional collaboration. SDORCA is working with members across the region—from loss prevention and ORC investigators to government affairs teams—to coordinate distribution of the decals and ensure maximum coverage.
Retailers are being asked to designate internal contacts to receive and distribute stickers across their store networks. This direct-to-retail approach ensures the right people are informed, involved, and committed to rollout.
“Organized retail crime inflicts real harm and is never a victimless crime,” said District Attorney Summer Stephan. “Organized retail crime is not only eroding business and job stability but is also threatening the safety and well‑being of our communities.”
“We’re proud to partner with the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office on this effort,” the SDORCA Board added. “Under the leadership of DA Summer Stephan, the office is setting a national example for how prosecutors can lead from the front in the fight against organized retail crime.”
A Replicable Model
As ORC continues to evolve, so must our response. San Diego’s approach isn’t just about a sticker—it’s about the infrastructure behind it: information sharing, aligned prosecution strategy, and public-private coordination. The sticker is just the surface. The system is what matters.
This initiative demonstrates that meaningful deterrence doesn’t require massive investment. What it does require is alignment—between stakeholders, between systems, and between values. It’s a model that other regions can adapt by focusing on strong partnerships, localized execution, and clear public messaging.
Final Thoughts
This program is a reminder that powerful solutions don’t need to be complicated—they just need to be aligned. When prosecutors, retailers, and law enforcement agencies speak with one voice, the impact is loud and clear.
A small sticker on a window may seem simple. But in San Diego County, it carries the weight of a system determined to protect its businesses and communities. For other jurisdictions, it offers a replicable path forward: start with partnership, prioritize public messaging, and build trust through action.
Interested in Learning More?
If you’re a retailer looking to participate—or a leader in another city considering how to bring this program to your community—SDORCA welcomes your interest.
Stickers are provided free of charge to participating retailers. To learn more, contact Supervisory DA Investigator Dave Iorillo at diorillo@sdcda.org or SDORCA directly at info@sdorca.org.
