U.S. retailers report drops in shoplifting and merchandise theft

The National Retail Federation (NRF) and the Loss Prevention Research Council released the “Impact of Theft & Violence 2026” report showing a 12.4% reduction in shoplifting incidents and an 8.1% decline in retail merchandise theft in 2025 compared with 2024. Retailers attribute the improvement to investments in technology, employee training, and enhanced interior and exterior security systems.

Despite the gains, the report notes rises in other forms of external theft, fraud, and scams, including cargo theft, phone scams, and gift‑card fraud. The NRF is urging Congress to pass the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, which would strengthen federal coordination and equip state and local law‑enforcement agencies to better investigate cross‑jurisdictional and transnational retail‑crime groups.