Key Insights:
- Retailers reported a 93% increase in shoplifting incidents from 2019 to 2023.
- Dollar losses due to shoplifting rose 90% in the same period.
- The report covers data from 164 retail brands representing $1.52 trillion in annual sales.
- It explores post-COVID trends and how retailers are responding to rising theft and violence.
Retail theft is no longer a petty crime—it’s a growing civic challenge with far-reaching consequences. From rising economic losses to increased threats against frontline workers, the impact is felt across communities, industries, and public systems. This post explores recent data and insights into the surge in retail-related violence, unpacking what it means for civic infrastructure, policy response, and ethical technology.
At Sentinel Watch™, we believe that adaptive intelligence can help illuminate these patterns—quietly, responsibly, and in service of public good. By blending behavioral data with human oversight, we aim to support safer environments without compromising privacy or autonomy.
Read the full NRF report


