For 32 years, the National Retail Federation (NRF) — the lobbying group representing major retailers in the United States — has produced the "National Retail Security Survey." The survey, widely cited by media outlets, attempts to estimate the total retail "shrink" in the industry by collecting data from major retailers.

Why shoplifting data matters

Why does it matter if the retail industry produces reports with unreliable data about shoplifting? The NRF is already using this report to advocate for more aggressive prosecution and longer terms of incarceration for people caught shoplifting.

The report encourages “state lawmakers” to “review and amend current criminal statutes that relate to retail thefts and crimes.” Specifically, the NRF supports the “aggregation of thefts,” which would allow people to be charged with felonies for stealing small amounts of merchandise. The NRF also supports “stronger penalties and consequences” for people “establishing, operating, and supporting” organized retail crime (OCR). OCR, which refers to shoplifting on behalf of a criminal organization, is a poorly defined concept that can be used to more severely punish individuals.

  • jarfil@beehaw.org
    0·
    3 days ago

    As long as profit margins stay above the cost of theft prevention measures, nobody’s going to pay anyone more than the bare minimum.

    As long as the ROI of forced labor stays positive, the USA will keep a higher per-capita incarceration rate than Russia.