Retail security in the United States faces a growing crisis, far beyond the occasional shoplifter. Major retailers like Home Depot are grappling with sophisticated criminal networks that steal goods for profit, posing serious risks to employees, customers, and the economy. The heartbreaking fatalities of two Home Depot employees underscore the human cost of this growing issue, which was termed an “epidemic” by ex-CEO Bob Nardelli that rapidly spreads. This blog discusses the disastrous effect of organized retail crime (ORC), how they work, and the need for immediate action to safeguard retail premises.
1. Gary Rasor’s Tragic Loss
Gary Rasor, a Home Depot employee who was 83 years old, died after a brutal struggle with a shoplifter in Hillsborough, North Carolina. On October 18, Rasor stopped a man rolling out three pressure washers valued at more than $800 and requested a receipt. The shoplifter pushed him onto the concrete ground, and he suffered injuries that caused his death on December 1, just after his 83rd birthday. Rasor enjoyed working, teaching younger employees and interacting with customers, but his devotion was cut short in a tragedy. His son, Jeff, advocated for more severe punishment, stating that no item of equipment—worth $837—would be worth the loss of a life. Terry McAnthony McMillian Jr., age 26, was charged with murder and robbery and taken into custody.
2. Blake Mohs’ Fatal Shooting
Five months later, Blake Mohs, a 26-year-old loss prevention associate, was shot in the chest while confronting a shoplifter at a California Home Depot in April. Mohs, an Eagle Scout with dreams of becoming a police officer, was passionate about tackling theft rings. His mother, Lorie, told Congress her son faced high risks for low pay, without protective gear like bulletproof vests. Benicia Knapps, 32, and David Guillory, 31, were charged with murder, robbery, and other offenses. These losses highlight the increasing risk retail employees are facing.
3. A Shift to Sophisticated Crime
While indiscriminate shoplifting is unpredictable, ORC is carried out by groups of professionals stealing high-value goods to resell. Home Depot CEO Ted Decker stressed, “This isn’t about lone shoplifters anymore.” Professional criminals work with precision, stealing high-demand items such as power tools or even $50–$80 circuit breakers that are easily resold. Security cameras at a New York store caught masked men brazenly stealing close to 100 boxes of merchandise, intimidating a guard who stood in their way. Home Depot vice president of asset protection Scott Glenn added these groups have little respect for consequences and bring threat into stores.
4. A Nationwide Epidemic
The magnitude of ORC is staggering. Shoppers lost $94.5 billion in 2021, an increase from $90.8 billion in 2020, with theft being the leading factor, according to the National Retail Federation. Home Depot alone loses billions each year, with cases increasing at a double-digit rate. Glenn estimated last year that he investigated around 400 cases more than one a day. The economic toll reaches consumers as well, with families paying an estimated extra $500 per year through increased prices and disruptions in the supply chain.
5. Focused Merchandise and Criminal Tactics
ORC crews select merchandise with a focus on resale value, from tools to brand-name apparel and medical equipment. Homeland Security Investigations’ Raul Aguilar described, “They have shopping lists,” revealing a corporate-like attitude. These ORC networks, from small crews to large outfits, function much like classic crime families. Some are tied to narcotics trafficking, terrorism funding, or international crime syndicates, which makes ORC a larger security risk.
6. Increasing Violence
ORC is growing more violent, with robbers employing guns, knives, bear spray, or even using store equipment as weapons. Glenn outlined the increasing threat to employees and shoppers, pointing out cases where thieves have no concern about being caught. The killings of Rasor and Mohs are an indication of this trend, as is a 120% increase in violent theft attempts at Target during early 2023. David Johnston with the National Retail Federation explained that such violence makes it more difficult for retailers to provide safe climates.
7. Psychological Toll
The threat of ORC induces fear among retail employees and consumers. Nardelli stated, “Our associates are afraid. The retail salespeople are afraid. Consumers are afraid.” With almost 500,000 Home Depot workers, several in asset protection positions encounter increased vulnerabilities. General employees are instructed not to get involved, but they work in areas where aggressive, violent incidents can take place. This fear undermines the feeling of security in retail environments.
8. Online Marketplaces as Enablers
Online sites such as Amazon, eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace drive ORC by making it easy to sell hot goods. Ted Decker noted that most of the stolen goods find their way onto the internet, where anonymity augmented by pandemic mask-wearing makes it difficult to identify sellers. Such sites make it easy to make fast sales with more limited risk than old-school fencing, propelling the growth of ORC.
10. Home Depot’s Security Measures
Home Depot is doing something to protect its stores. Valued merchandise is now caged and secured, and the company has stepped up security guards, parking lot lighting, and surveillance towers. New tracking technology assists in recovering stolen merchandise. General employees are cautioned not to physically confront thieves, but trained asset protection associates take care of interventions to mix safety and deterrence.
11. Law Enforcement Efforts
Homeland Security Investigations has tripled the cases of ORC, employing fraud and money laundering statutes against the networks. All but a dozen state task forces strengthen coordination, and Glenn underscored the necessity of federal data sharing for combating mobile crime groups. Joint cooperation with retailers like Home Depot has also resulted in arrests, for instance, a Florida minister who operated a $3 million burglary ring.
12. Legislative Solutions
The 2023 INFORM Act mandates verification of frequent sellers on online marketplaces, minimizing anonymity for criminal sales. Retailers and law enforcement are advocating a federal task force via the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act to meet changing trends. These legislations hope to disrupt the criminal underworld driving ORC.
In addition to retail loss, ORC also costs consumers more through higher prices, higher insurance premiums, and supply chain disruptions. That $94.5 billion lost in 2021 takes the form of greater economic burden, with consumers paying more. Aguilar added that ORC impacts the supply chain and causes inflation and economic instability.
Shoppers are among the forefront in battling ORC. Aguilar encouraged scrutinizing online orders for suspiciously low prices and examining seller ratings to identify stolen merchandise. By reporting suspicious sales, consumers can discourage demand for stolen merchandise, thereby stifling the cycle of theft.
Organized retail crime puts retail employees’ safety and the economy at risk. The passing of Gary Rasor and Blake Mohs reminds us of the need for action now. Chains such as Home Depot are spending money on security, law enforcement is doubling down on efforts, and legislation such as the INFORM Act is progress. But still, consumers have to remain vigilant, asking questions about deals that sound too good to be true.
Collectively, businesses, police, policymakers, and the public can reclaim safety and trust in retail environments so that there is a future where fear does not dictate the shopping experience.
