These aren't shoplifters taking a pack of gum. These are professional thieves.

News Releases

Organized Retail Crime (ORC) is a highly sophisticated crime that involves intricate criminal networks made up of many individuals who steal large quantities of goods from multiple retailers and later sell the goods to unsuspecting buyers.  ORC is far more dangerous and complex than a single person slipping a candy bar into their pocket.

 

From creating special bags to defeat anti-theft sensors, to distracting store personnel and even resorting to violence, these criminal groups come up with countless ways to steal from retailers.  The stories below reflect the scope of the problem and the need for strong laws to deter it.


Web Hosters to Pay $32M for Role in Trademark Infringement
California - In what's being called a landmark decision, a federal jury in California has found two Web hosting companies and their owner liable for contributing to trademark and copyright infringement for hosting sites selling counterfeit Louis Vuitton goods.
FBI: Streamwood Man eBay'd Stolen Goods
Illinois - A Streamwood man has been arrested by federal authorities who said he used eBay and other Web sites to sell stolen goods.  Authorities said Keskes has tallied more than $2 million in online sales and auctions since 2005 through his Streamwood-registered Web site.

Special Report: Security Versus the Mob
Across the Nation - An in-depth look at the battle against organized crime in the physical and digital worlds, from retail theft to identity theft. Retail crime specialists think that about 40-45% of retail theft now comes from organized crime groups. 

Two Charged with Thefts from Wal-Marts
 Illinois/Tennessee - Two men face charges stemming from what  police believe are thefts of thousands of dollars' worth of electronic items at a number of Wal-Mart stores throughout Southern Illinois and as far south as Chattanooga, Tennessee.  The stolen items have a retail value of more than $10,000.

 Man Arrested Trying to Pawn Apple Electronics
 A Man is accused of stealing more than $200,000 worth of electronics from mall stores.  Harold Tate was arrested during a police set up as he tried to pawn some items he allegedly stole in May and June.  Investigators tracked some of the stolen items through eBay, according to police. 


     

Organized Crime and Retail Theft: Facts and Myths
Across the Nation - Small, loosely connected gangs illustrate the challenge of stopping organized retail theft.  In retail stores, crime rings have found what Sheriff Grady Judd of Polk County Florida calls a "soft underbelly" of American law enforcement. 

Police Recover $500,000 Worth of Stolen Merchandise
 Utah - Salt Lake City police recovered at least $500,000 worth of stolen merchandise.  They also arrested a couple accused of stealing it all from a retail distribution center.  The stolen merchandise included clothes from popular retailers. 


Woman Charged with Stealing $22,000 Worth of Stolen Computer Equipment
 North Carolina - Police have arrested a woman who received more than $22,000 worth of stolen computer equipment.  At Rose Cohen's home, police say they recovered 11 stolen laptops with a value of over $16,000.  According to a spokesman says Cohen had already mailed 5 additional laptops to Ghana and sold 2 smart phones on eBay valued at $500 a piece.