NRF - National Retail Federation

09/17/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/17/2026 10:40

National Organized Retail Crime Crackdown Leads to More Than 1,900 Apprehensions and Arrests

National Organized Retail Crime Crackdown Leads to More Than 1,900 Apprehensions and Arrests

For immediate release
September 17, 2026

"Initiatives like the National Organized Retail Crime Blitz demonstrate what is possible when retailers and law enforcement come together toward a common goal."

NRF Vice President of Asset Protection and Retail Operations David Johnston

WASHINGTON - The results of the second National Organized Retail Crime Blitz were announced today by the National Retail Federation, the Cook County State's Attorney's Office, the Cook County Regional Organized Crime Task Force and the Los Angeles Organized Retail Crime Association. This coordinated enforcement initiative took place across 32 states from Aug. 1 to 9 and brought together law enforcement agencies and retail partners to combat organized retail crime through intelligence sharing, collaboration and targeted investigations.

"Organized retail crime continues to pose a significant threat to retailers and communities. Initiatives like the National Organized Retail Crime Blitz demonstrate what is possible when retailers and law enforcement come together toward a common goal," NRF Vice President of Asset Protection and Retail Operations David Johnston said. "We commend the Cook County State's Attorney's Office for its leadership in coordinating this nationwide effort, and for creating the partnerships necessary to disrupt sophisticated criminal networks and hold offenders accountable."

During the nine-day event, 84 law enforcement agencies from 32 states participated in the coordinated effort. The operation brought together 40 retail brands and resulted in more than 1,900 apprehensions and arrests, as well as the recovery or prevention of more than $2 million in retail theft losses.

Results at a Glance

View key statistics and outcomes from the second National Organized Retail Crime Blitz.

Among those arrested, 42 cases involved the recovery of controlled substances. Participating agencies also developed seven leads involving "fencing" or the sale of stolen merchandise, recovered six stolen vehicles and seized eight weapons. In one specific case, an apprehension resulted in the recovery of a trafficked individual who was exploited and forced to steal for her abductors. This individual was provided with medical care, and the trafficking investigation remains ongoing.

"Organized retail crime is most effectively addressed when retailers and law enforcement work together," Cook County Regional Organized Crime Task Force Deputy Director Edward Henkel said. "The campaign spotlights the impact of intelligence sharing and coordinated investigations in disrupting criminal activity and supporting safer communities across the country."

According to NRF's Impact of Theft & Violence 2026 report, retail theft levels are stabilizing, but external theft and fraud continue to rise. While on average, shoplifting incidents declined 12.4% and merchandise theft fell 8.1% in 2025, retailers reported higher frequencies of repeat offenders, walkout and pushout theft, and ORC-related shoplifting events, highlighting the ongoing issue around organized retail crime.

NRF urges the U.S. Senate to pass the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, following its passage in the U.S. House of Representatives in May. The legislation would strengthen federal coordination and equip state and local law enforcement to better identify and investigate cross jurisdictional and transnational retail crime groups.

About NRF
The National Retail Federation passionately advocates for the people, brands, policies and ideas that help retail succeed. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C., NRF empowers the industry that powers the economy. Retail is the nation's largest private-sector employer, contributing $5.3 trillion to annual GDP and supporting more than one in four U.S. jobs - 55 million working Americans. For over a century, NRF has been a voice for every retailer and every retail job, educating, inspiring and communicating the powerful impact retail has on local communities and global economies. nrf.com

About CCROC
Founded by the Cook County State's Attorney's Office in 2010, CCROC is one of the nation's premier public-private intelligence and investigative partnerships focused on dismantling organized criminal enterprises. By integrating the capabilities of law enforcement, prosecutors, retailers, financial institutions, and private industry, CCROC facilitates intelligence-driven investigations, regional collaboration, specialized training, and strategic crime reduction initiatives that target organized retail crime, financial fraud, cargo theft, money laundering, and transnational criminal networks.

About LAORCA
Founded in December 2007, the Los Angeles Organized Retail Crime Association (LAORCA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting professionals in asset protection, loss prevention, retail security, and law enforcement. Guided by a volunteer coalition of retail leaders and law enforcement partners, LAORCA unites cross-industry expertise to combat organized retail crime and strengthen collaboration across jurisdictions. Through education, training, workshops, and networking opportunities, LAORCA provides the resources and strategic partnerships needed to investigate, prevent, and combat organized retail crime in Southern California and beyond. laorca.org

Press Contacts
NRF - National Retail Federation published this content on September 17, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on September 17, 2026 at 16:40 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]