According to the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention, approximately $35 million in property is stolen daily from stores in the United States.  In 2008, $15.5 billion of the $36 billion lost by retailers was from internal theft, according to the National Retail Security Survey. 

Although researchers are unable to control for all factors, it is reasonable to assume that the unemployment rate and current economic crisis play a major role in the increases seen in the past few years.

The largest retailers are able to support large loss prevention teams that work to prevent, apprehend and prosecute these crimes.  However, most of the smaller retail establishments simply accept certain amounts of shrinkage as the cost of doing business. 

Ultimately, this problem is not specific to the companies, but affects everyone who purchases goods in this country.  These losses increase the overhead which in turn is reflected in higher prices.  Those apprehended are then pushed through the criminal justice system and can back up courts and fill jail cells that are needed for more serious criminals. 

Our services are available for the large retailers that would like an external evaluation of their loss prevention program, and the smaller establishments that need guidance to reduce shrinkage, evaluate technology, develop policies and screen/train security staff.