Organized Retail Crime (ORC)

Organized Retail Crime (ORC) refers to coordinated illegal activities where groups systematically steal large quantities of goods from retail stores, often for profit. These criminal networks plan and execute thefts—such as shoplifting, warehouse theft, or return fraud—on a scale that can overwhelm store defenses. The stolen merchandise is typically sold through illegal channels or in pawn shops and online marketplaces. ORC causes significant financial losses for retailers, increases prices for consumers, and can contribute to safety risks for employees and other shoppers. It requires law enforcement collaboration to detect and prevent these sophisticated theft operations.