Organized Retail Crime: A Growing Threat to Retailers Across the Globe
Organized retail crime (ORC) is an escalating challenge facing businesses worldwide, with criminal enterprises continually targeting stores, threatening the safety of customers and employees, and undermining the retail industry's integrity. In January 2026 alone, numerous incidents highlighted the scale and impact of ORC, shedding light on its growing sophistication and the relentless efforts by law enforcement to combat it. Here are some of the key incidents from that month.
U.S. House Judiciary Committee Advances Combating Organized Retail Crime Act
In a landmark decision this month, the House Judiciary Committee approved the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025 (CORCA). The bill mandates the establishment of an Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This center will streamline efforts across both state and federal law enforcement agencies, alongside private retail loss prevention teams, to tackle ORC more effectively. This coordinated approach aims to bring criminal enterprises to justice while safeguarding the retail sector.
Cargo Theft: Criminals Targeting High-Value Loads
While the total number of reported cargo thefts remained consistent in 2025, criminals have become increasingly adept at targeting high-value shipments. According to CargoNet's 2025 Supply Chain Risk Trends report, the estimated losses from cargo theft surged by 60% compared to the previous year, reaching a staggering $455 million. The report attributes this increase to the rise of criminal organizations targeting valuable, cost-dense loads. New Jersey-based CargoNet emphasized that these gangs are becoming more strategic in their thefts, opting for high-end electronics, luxury goods, and other in-demand products.
Attorney General Secures Conviction in $10 Million ORC Ring
In a significant win for law enforcement, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes announced the sentencing of Adam Polansky, a key member of an organized retail theft syndicate responsible for stealing $10 million worth of merchandise. Polansky received a six-year prison sentence for his role in victimizing retail establishments across Maricopa County. Special agents from the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, working closely with local loss prevention experts, identified Polansky as a "booster" who helped orchestrate large-scale thefts.
Warehouse Stash Uncovered: $2 Million in Stolen Goods
A routine investigation led to the discovery of over $2 million in stolen goods inside a warehouse in Oak Forest, Illinois. The investigation began when a stolen cargo trailer, containing Target merchandise, was tracked to the warehouse using the trailer’s GPS device. Upon arriving, investigators obtained consent to search the facility and uncovered multiple pallets of stolen items, including Dyson products, Wahl hair clippers, and Nike shoes. Further investigation revealed goods from major retailers such as Amazon, Kohl’s, Macy’s, and Walmart, all of which had been stolen by the criminal enterprise.
Lululemon Theft Ring: $900K in Stolen Merchandise Sold
In a bold move, a woman allegedly involved in the sale of stolen Lululemon merchandise was accused of earning nearly $920,000 through the illegal operation. Loss prevention officers flagged Carissimo's business after noticing suspicious activity. A detailed investigation revealed around 600 stolen items in her store, tracked through a radio frequency identification (RFID) scanner. Police later seized a large quantity of suspected stolen goods from her premises.
Knox County Sheriff’s Office Tackles Holiday Crime Surge
Between October 13 and December 23, the Knox County Sheriff’s Office led a successful Organized Retail Crime Holiday Taskforce. In collaboration with various agencies, the task force focused on tackling organized theft, warrant enforcement, and other criminal activities plaguing businesses in Knox County. The operation resulted in over 647 arrests and the seizure of more than 50 pounds of illegal drugs.
Online Fraud: Federal Law Cracks Down on Rogue Sellers
Nearly 3 million online seller accounts were removed from major shopping platforms in 2025, following the implementation of a new federal law aimed at curbing fraud and counterfeit goods. According to Senator Dick Durbin, this law, which requires online marketplaces to verify high-volume sellers and provide customers with clear reporting channels, has already led to the removal of over 24 million suspicious product listings. This crackdown aims to protect consumers and legitimate businesses by ensuring that stolen and counterfeit goods do not flood the market.
Jewelry Heist: Stolen SUV Rams Into California Store in $1M Robbery
A daring jewelry heist in Anaheim Hills, California, took a violent turn when thieves rammed a stolen SUV into a high-end jewelry store, making off with nearly $1 million in merchandise. As masked thieves rushed into the store, they used crowbars, hammers, and trash cans to smash display cases and grab jewelry. The suspects fled the scene in two Dodge Chargers but were eventually caught after crashing the getaway cars. Investigators recovered stolen items from both crash sites, leading to the arrest of eight suspects.
Nation-Wide ORC Taskforce Nabs Multiple Suspects in Connection with Organized Theft Rings
In January, coordinated efforts between local and national law enforcement agencies led to a series of high-profile arrests. Two Venezuelan nationals were apprehended in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, for orchestrating a nationwide theft ring targeting Ulta Beauty stores. The pair, responsible for over 40 thefts, would pose as customers, conceal expensive perfumes and colognes, and leave without paying. This ring has led to over $166,000 in losses across multiple states. Additionally, two Texas women were charged in Oklahoma for stealing nearly $150,000 worth of goods from Ulta Beauty stores, their scheme spanning five states.
New York Theft Group Exposed: Thousands of Pills Stolen
A man linked to a sophisticated theft group targeting over-the-counter medications was arrested after police seized nearly 500 stolen items from his vehicle. The theft ring, based in Staten Island, New York, focused on stealing medications from stores along the Eastern Seaboard and reselling them to smaller shops in the New York area. The man was caught through Walmart's internal theft prevention system, which identified him as part of the larger criminal network.
January’s incidents underscore the multifaceted nature of organized retail crime. The retail industry faces ongoing challenges, and law enforcement agencies continue to respond with innovative strategies to safeguard businesses and consumers.