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Bad Economy Breeding More Retail Crime: RILA

A survey of 52 retailers by the Retail Industry Leaders Association indicated that high percentages of merchants are reporting increases in unlawful store activity as economic conditions worsen.

ARLINGTON, Va. — A survey of 52 retailers by the Retail Industry Leaders Association here indicated that high percentages of merchants are reporting increases in unlawful store activity as economic conditions worsen.

According to the Current Crime Trends Survey, 84% of respondents reported an increase in theft/amateur shoplifting; 76% observed a rise in financial fraud; and 80% noticed a jump in ORC. Respondents included representatives from the grocery, drugstore, mass merchant, specialty apparel, electronics and appliances sectors.

“The current uptick in unlawful activity is an unfortunate, yet unsurprising consequence of an economy in distress,” said Paul Jones, vice president, asset protection for RILA.

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