IDA Issue Brief: Fighting Organized Retail Crime

Organized retail crime is fueling a damaging cycle in downtowns, driving store closures, reducing activity, and heightening fears about safety. Retailers report sharp increases in theft, losses, repeat offenders, and violence. These crimes raise consumer prices, strain workers and businesses, and undermine the vitality of downtowns and main streets. This Issue Brief was prepared for IDA’s April 2026 Capitol Hill Fly-In.