The Maricopa County Attorney's Office (MCAO) is making strides in combatting organized retail crime (ORC), reporting a record-breaking number of prosecutorial actions taken in 2024, as highlighted in a recent announcement from the County's Attorney's Office. ORC has been a financial drain, costing retailers a hefty sum annually and pushing the consequences on consumers who face inflated prices, shrinking inventories, and the potential shuttering of stores.
Not only does ORC hit the wallets of consumers and retailers alike, but it also has been linked to more nefarious activities like drug, human trafficking, and money laundering. The MCAO reported record prosecutions in 2024, successfully convicting individuals in 300 ORC cases, which marks an elevation over the previous high of 297 in 2019. Law enforcement has certainly felt pressure ramping up their efforts; last year saw an influx of case submissions to the MCAO, reaching 891, a considerable 45% increase from the 616 cases in 2023.
In a proactive approach to mitigate ORC's impact, County Attorney Rachel Mitchell orchestrated a series of MCAO Business Forums, which served as common ground for retailers to voice their plights and for critical discussions to take place regarding crime trends, employee safety, and collaboration between prosecutors, law enforcement, and the retail sector to tackle ORC head-on.
With the intent to educate and deter consumers from inadvertently supporting ORC by purchasing stolen goods that might look like an attractive deal, the MCAO has spearheaded the "Safe Shopping: The High Cost of a Good Deal" campaign. This initiative warns shoppers of the broader ramifications, including elevated prices for all, the propagation of other criminal activities, and a decrease in tax revenue affecting essential services like funding for first responders, schools, and community support services, according to the MCAO.
For those interested in learning more about the MCAO’s strategies to combat organized retail theft or seeking tips on how to ensure a safer shopping experience, a visit to the MCAO Safe Shopping page is recommended for detailed information and resources.
