Organized Retail Crime

Organized retail crime has reached a level never before seen in this country, and unfortunately, no community is immune from the economic impact and the violence that comes with it. 

In Georgia alone, businesses are estimated to lose over $3 billion to retail theft annually. This includes $1.6 billion in stolen goods and $326 million in lost tax revenue, along with 17,000 lost jobs.

Nationwide losses total over $125 billion, with nearly 76 percent of retailers reporting physical assault against an associate as a result of organized retail crime.

This type of criminal activity can also be linked to other illegal operations, including gang activity, human trafficking, drug trafficking, bribery, corruption, and money laundering.

Organized Retail Crime Unit 

As part of his commitment to protecting his fellow Georgians and ensuring that our state remains No. 1 for business, Attorney General Chris Carr has made combating organized retail crime a top priority. 

In July 2024, with the support of Governor Brian Kemp and members of the General Assembly, Carr created Georgia’s first statewide Organized Retail Crime Unit.

With this new Unit, the Attorney General’s Office is working hand-in-hand with all levels of law enforcement to put a stop to the increasingly violent and brazen networks that are targeting retailers throughout the state.