Store theft levels stabilise amid retail technology and staff training investments but challenges remain
Retail store theft levels are stabilising in the US, but external theft and fraud overall continue to rise, according to a new study by the National Retail Federation and the Loss Prevention Research Council and sponsored by Sensormatic Solutions. This found that retailers experienced a 12.4% decrease in shoplifting incidents and an 8.1% decline in retail merchandise theft in 2025 compared with 2024, while other methods of external theft, fraud and scams increased over the same period.
A survey was conducted online among senior loss prevention and security executives in the retail industry from February to April. A total of 66 retail companies responded to this, representing 143 brands across a variety of retail sectors. These brands represented $1.7 trillion in annual sales for their 2025 fiscal year or 31.6% of total retail sales. The majority (63%) have more than 10,000 employees, and 38% operate at least 1,000 stores.
“After years of rising in-store theft, retailers are beginning to see levels stabilise, driven by investments in technology and employee training to strengthen store security and improve response to these crimes,” says NRF Vice President for Asset Protection and Retail Operations David Johnston. “However, significant challenges remain as organised criminals continue to exploit vulnerabilities throughout the retail environment as seen in the rise of various fraud schemes and thefts including cargo theft, phone scams and gift card fraud.”
The decline in shoplifting and merchandise theft incidents can be attributed in part to retailers’ ongoing efforts to evaluate, implement and refine security measures designed to deter theft and reduce losses. Strategies like enhanced interior and exterior security systems, as well as store- and employee specific safety protocols, have contributed to these improvements. In addition, retailers have strengthened their ability to analyse loss patterns and assess the effectiveness of various security measures in addressing different types of theft.
The report demonstrates a concerning shift as criminals move beyond traditional shoplifting to more sophisticated external theft schemes, with retailers reporting higher rates of repeat offenders (50%), ORC related incidents (40%) and walkout or pushout theft (37%). Fraud is also rising, with phone scams (69%), loyalty fraud (51%) and gift card theft or fraud (42%) increasing.
“Trusted research is essential to understanding these threats and how they continue to evolve,” says University of Florida Research Scientist and Loss Prevention Research Council Executive Director Read Hayes “As these risks shift and shoplifting rates stabilise, the retail industry must confront the growing challenges of fraud and external theft.”
Violence remains a significant concern for retailers, which continue to report increases in homelessness related disruptions and guest related incidents. In response, retailers are strengthening proactive workplace violence prevention efforts by investing in management training (72%), employee training (65%) and risk intelligence technologies (61%), among other measures designed to enhance safety for employees and customers.
“Retailers are leveraging data and connected technologies to combat retail crime,” says Sensormatic Solutions President Tony D’Onofrio. “This year’s report underscores that no single company can address this challenge alone. Meaningful progress requires strong collaboration among retailers, communities and law enforcement agencies to enhance asset protection and keep employees and customers safe.”
Consistent with last year, reports of store related theft incidents to law enforcement remain low, with 63% of retailers reporting fewer than half of these incidents. Retailers cite several factors for not reporting, including low-dollar losses or not meeting felony thresholds (60%), as well as concerns about lack of law enforcement response and follow-through (54%).
Following passage in the U.S. House of Representatives, NRF is urging the U.S. Senate to pass the Combating Organised Retail Crime Act, which would strengthen federal coordination and equip state and local law enforcement to better identify and investigate cross jurisdictional and transnational retail crime groups.
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
Retail security will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.
Check out our 2025 winners here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
