This segment highlights the growing impact of organized retail crime (ORC), which now costs retailers over $94 billion annually. The speaker connects this surge in incidents—particularly smash-and-grabs—to legislative shifts like California’s 2022 reclassification of theft under $950 from a felony to a misdemeanor, which may embolden criminal activity.
Emphasis is placed on the value of public-private partnerships to extend situational awareness across the broader community. Retailers are encouraged to conduct post-incident reviews and prioritize employee well-being by offering counseling and support resources to staff affected by ORC events.
