Shoplifting rings and weak economy spur retail theft -- DailyFinance

Retailers lost $36.3 billion to theft in 2008, up from $34.8 billion in 2007. While no projections are available yet for 2009, signs are that the problem is getting worse, says Joseph LaRocca, senior adviser on asset protection of the National Retail Federation (NRF). Fewer people are being detained in stores for shoplifting, but when they are stopped, they're more likely to run and even attack store employees, says LaRocca.

"Shoplifters are getting more aggressive," he says. "They're fighting, they're abusive, they're running.... It's a very disturbing trend." LaRocca attributes this escalation to the rise of shoplifting rings, gangs that steal large quantities of products for resale. These thieves are the reason you often find razor blades under lock and key in your local drugstore, says LaRocca, because small items that can be easily resold are a favorite target of pro shoplifters. "They're very organized, and they're very skilled," says LaRocca.

"They'll steal thousands of dollars in five minutes." They may even open entire stores stocked with stolen products, he says. Retailers are troubled enough by this trend that they're pressing the U.S. Congress to enact laws to facilitate federal prosecution of shoplifting gangs. A House subcommittee is holding hearings Thursday on the role of federal law enforcement in fighting the retail crime rings.

"A Matter of Greed"

LaRocca disputes claims that economic desperation could be driving a rise in shoplifting. The data show that the type of merchandise popular with shoplifters during this recession is still very similar to what was stolen years ago, he says."It's not a matter of need. It's a matter of greed," he says. "You don't need a $1,900 handbag.... Do you need a video game?"

Shoplifting rings and weak economy spur retail theft -- DailyFinance