Store Theft – A “Serious” Problem
More than two-thirds of Americans say organized retail crime is a “serious problem.”
More than two-thirds of Americans say organized retail crime is a “serious problem.”
WHY IT MATTERS – The increase in retail theft may be contributing to the sense among voters that things are “out of control.”
THE QUESTION – In a poll of U.S. adults, YouGov America asked: “How serious a problem do you think organized retail crime – in which criminal groups steal large amounts of merchandise to sell for a profit – is in the United States today?”
38 percent said “a very serious problem”
33 percent said “a somewhat serious problem”
13 percent said “a minor problem”
4 percent said “not a problem”
12 percent said “not sure”
BOTTOM LINE - Small dollar theft can add up to large dollar losses at scale. Major retailers have warned of an “epidemic” of theft in their stores that could lead to closures.
The 2022 National Retail Security Survey recorded a 26.5 percent increase in retail crime incidents in 2021.
The National Retail Federation found that total losses from theft and inventory loss increased to $94.5 billion that same year.
GO DEEPER – Toplines and background
YouGov America – Poll Results
Fox Business – Former Home Depot CEO Warns Organized Retail Theft an ‘Epidemic’ that’s ‘Spreading Faster than COVID’