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.
They’ve literally been lying about theft data for years to try to push their anti-consumer practices. CVS closed stores in SF during the pandemic, claiming it was due to shoplifting, only for people to find out later it was union-busting. The NRF is a lobbying group, plain and simple, and nothing they report should be taken seriously.