Black Friday Becomes a Target for Organized Retail Theft, Experts Warn
As millions of Americans gear up for the holiday shopping season, former NYPD detective Patrick Brosnan emphasizes a troubling trend: organized retail theft is escalating dramatically, turning Black Friday into a “Super Bowl” for shoplifters. This coincides with a report from the National Retail Federation indicating a significant rise in retail theft, with losses soaring by 90% compared to previous years.
Why It Matters
The increasing prevalence of organized retail crime undermines the shopping experience and poses challenges for law enforcement and retailers alike. With an estimated 186.9 million Americans planning to shop between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday, the stakes are high, not only for retailers but also for consumers and the overall safety of the shopping environment.
Key Developments
- Retail theft has surged by 93% in 2023 compared to 2019, with a 90% increase in losses attributed to shoplifting.
- Brosnan warns that organized theft has transformed from minor crimes into elaborate operations involving professional gangs.
- Retailers are advised to secure high-value items and consider placing merchandise in locked cases to mitigate losses.
- Law enforcement agencies are increasing their presence on Black Friday to discourage theft.
Full Report
Former NYPD detective Patrick Brosnan, now head of Brosnan Risk Consultants, described the current landscape of retail theft as markedly different from the past. He noted that organized crime groups are using sophisticated methods to execute thefts, often reselling stolen goods online and operating across state lines. “Today’s thieves are not just teenagers stealing T-shirts,” Brosnan pointed out, highlighting the severe professionalization of these retail crime rings.
This holiday season, with shoppers flooding stores, thieves take advantage of the crowded conditions, making it easier to escape unnoticed. Brosnan likened Black Friday for thieves to a major sports event, where millions of shoppers create a chaotic atmosphere. “Stores are crowded; staff is stretched, and high-value items are on display,” he explained, adding that this creates unique challenges for law enforcement trying to deter theft.
To counter the rise in theft, retailers are urged to implement stricter security measures, particularly for high-value merchandise, including electronics and designer goods. Brosnan emphasized that sophisticated crime rings are well-prepared, knowledgeable about store layouts, and organized in their approach. “You want to do business, but if bad people mix in with the good, there’s only so much you can do,” he noted, reflecting on the growing hurdle for law enforcement agencies trying to keep theft at bay.
Context & Previous Events
According to the National Retail Federation’s 2024 report, the backdrop of rising retail theft highlights a significant shift in stealing behaviors over recent years. The report indicates that organized retail theft is no longer a marginal issue, evolving into a multibillion-dollar enterprise that is outpacing law enforcement’s ability to respond effectively.
