Objective 1 – Organised Retail Crime Threat Assessment
Desired outcome: Establish and maintain a single version of the threats from SOC targeting retailers.
Organised Retail Crime (ORC) is a growing threat to businesses, communities, and consumers alike. Unlike opportunistic retail crime, ORC involves coordinated groups who strategically target retailers to steal large quantities of goods for resale through online marketplaces, street vendors, or underground networks.
These crimes not only result in significant financial losses for businesses but also drive up prices for honest shoppers and put retail employees at risk of violence. By raising awareness and strengthening collaboration between retailers, law enforcement, and the public, we can better protect our stores, safeguard jobs, and reduce the impact of ORC on our communities.
As part of the Tackling Retail Crime Together plan, ORC is a key focus.
Led by Opal, the National Policing Unit for Serious Organised and Acquisitive Crime, they will identify assess and manage the threat from Organised Retail Crime through using the broadest range of tactical options to disrupt OCGs and High Priority individuals.
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How it will work
The sharing of knowledge relating to organised criminality, and linked offences supported by the provision of evidence in the form of CCTV footage and witness statements provides policing with the best opportunity to investigate, arrest and work with the crown prosecution service to achieve criminal justice outcomes.