Retail crime is on the rise, new report shows. A UF researcher explains why these incidents are underreported

Retail crime is on the rise ahead of the busiest shopping season, a new report found.

A new National Retail Federation report, developed by UF’s SaferPlaces Lab and the Loss Prevention Research Council, found that retail workers and shoppers may face higher risks this season despite public claims that theft is declining.

The report found: • Retail crime is rising, even as some police data appears flat. • Criminal groups are getting more sophisticated, using technology to disrupt cameras, defeat security systems and coordinate attacks on TikTok and Reddit. • Frontline workers feel less safe than ever, especially during the holiday rush. • High-demand items like apparel and footwear remain top targets, driving retailers to test new protection strategies that still keep stores welco