Understanding ORC
Statistics, trends, and impacts of ORC
Organized retail crime (ORC) involves coordinated theft in which individuals or groups, steal merchandise with an intent to resell.
These operations often include fencing stolen goods through various channels including online platforms or underground markets.
The impact of ORC is staggering, with total losses amounting to billions of dollars annually in Washington State alone, posing a severe financial burden on retailers, consumers, and local economies. These criminal operations are highly organized, often crossing city, county, state, and even international borders, complicating law enforcement efforts and necessitating multi-jurisdictional collaboration.
ORC affects businesses of all sizes, contributing to higher prices for consumers, increased security costs, and the potential for violence during theft incidents, making it a growing concern for communities and retailers alike.
Resource Links
RILA-NDAA's Resource Library
The RILA-NDAA Resource Library is a collaborative effort to accelerate best practice sharing between retailers and prosecutors.
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NRF Survey 2023
NRF’s National Retail Security Survey of retail loss prevention professionals.
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NRF Survey 2022
NRF’s National Retail Security Survey of retail loss prevention professionals.
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Retail Crime Data Center - U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Highlighting the serious impact of criminal organizations on American business and society.
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Download the Materials
The Impact of Organized Retail Crime and Product Theft in the United States
This analysis will focus on product theft from brick-and-mortar retailers, notably stolen consumer goods either shoplifted for personal use, or financial gain.
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Addressing Places in Seattle Where Overdoses and Crime are Concentrated: An Evidence-Based Approach
A new report looks at where drugs and crime are most prevalent in Seattle and ways the city could better tackle the issues.
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High Utilizer Initiative – Seattle City Attorney’s Office – 2023
One year in review.
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U.S. Retail Crime Insights Report
When it comes to reducing retail crime at scale, it’s not enough to know that rates have increased or decreased
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Detecting and Reporting the Illicit Financial Flows Tied to Organized Theft Groups (OTG) and ORC
A comprehensive educational guide for law enforcement and financial crime investigators.
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2024 Washington State Attorney Generals Survey of Online Marketplaces
This analysis will focus on product theft from brick-and-mortar retailers, notably stolen consumer goods either shoplifted for personal use, or financial gain.
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Organizing a Public-Private Partnership to Defeat Organized Retail Crime
A Challenge Seattle Report - October 2024
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Guide to Navigating Public Safety & Retail Crime
Guide equips businesses of all sizes with practical tips and best practices to safeguard employees, customers, and establishment.
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City of Seattle Auditor’s Report on ORC – 2023
Report outlines seven steps for improving the city’s approach to ORC.
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WA Attorney General's Evidence Checklist for Organized Retail Crime
Checklist to prosecute retail crime and theft related cases.
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King County Prosecuting Attorney Office Evidence Checklist for Retail Crime
Checklist to prosecute retail crime cases
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ORC Laws and Regulations
Legislation and Data-Driven Insights to Combat Organized Retail Crime