In April 2025, bipartisan lawmakers in Congress introduced the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (H.R. 2853 / S. 1404) a groundbreaking bill designed to fight back against the rise of sophisticated theft rings targeting retailers and supply chains.
With organized retail crime (ORC) on the rise nationwide, this legislation could reshape how law enforcement, retailers, and transportation providers work together to tackle theft and fraud. Here’s what you need to know:
Why This Bill Matters
The retail and logistics industries have been sounding the alarm about the surge in theft:
ORC incidents skyrocketed by 93% between 2019 and 2023, according to the National Retail Federation.
Cargo theft is up 27% year over year, with average losses now exceeding $200,000 per incident.
Criminal groups are growing more violent, putting employees, customers, and law enforcement at risk.
Many of these thefts are highly organized, with goods quickly resold through online marketplaces, brick and mortar stores, or even shipped overseas.
What the Bill Does
If passed, the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act would:
Give Federal Law Enforcement New Tools
Update federal laws to better prosecute crimes involving stolen goods moving across state lines or through online channels.
Allow aggregation of multiple thefts into felony charges when the total value exceeds $5,000 over 12 months.
Establish a National Coordination Center
Create a Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center within Homeland Security.
This center will unite federal, state, and local law enforcement with retailers and carriers to share intelligence and collaborate on investigations.
Support State and Local Agencies
Focus on Online and Physical Marketplaces
What This Means for Retailers and Carriers
More Enforcement at the Federal Level
Expect increased federal attention on ORC rings, particularly those operating across state lines or selling online.
New Partnerships and Reporting Channels
The coordination center will create formal pathways for retailers and logistics companies to share intelligence about theft trends, suspect activity, and organized groups.
Stronger Penalties for Criminals
Aggregating thefts into larger felony cases could serve as a stronger deterrent against repeat offenders.
Opportunities for Grants and Training
Local law enforcement agencies may gain access to new resources for combating ORC in their communities.
Preparing for the Future
While the bill is still working its way through Congress, now is the time for retailers and supply chain professionals to:
Strengthen loss prevention strategies, including EAS systems, CCTV, and staff training.
Build relationships with law enforcement at local and regional levels.
Review internal reporting protocols for theft incidents to align with potential future federal guidelines.
Monitor the bill’s progress and be ready to engage with the new coordination center once it’s launched.
The Bottom Line
The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act represents a significant shift in how the U.S. plans to tackle retail and cargo theft. By creating a unified national effort and empowering law enforcement, the bill aims to disrupt criminal networks and safeguard retailers, employees, and consumers alike.
For businesses, staying ahead of these changes will be crucial, not just for compliance but also for protecting your inventory, your staff, and your bottom line.
