What Is Organized Retail Crime (ORC)?
Organized Retail Crime (ORC) is a growing threat to businesses and communities across the country. Unlike petty shoplifting, ORC involves coordinated groups of criminals who steal large quantities of goods from retail stores with the express intent to resell the stolen goods for profit. These crimes are often highly sophisticated, involving multiple individuals who act as boosters (those who steal the goods), fences (those who resell them), and even insiders who provide critical information about store operations.
The Growing Threat of ORC
Organized Retail Crime (ORC) costs companies billions of dollars every year, leading to higher prices for consumers and an increased risk for store employees and shoppers. Criminal organizations involved in ORC frequently use tactics such as utilizing stolen vehicles, creating fraudulent returns, and exploiting weaknesses in security measures. Given the organized and calculated nature of these crimes, traditional theft prevention methods often prove inadequate.
How Law Enforcement Can Use Covert GPS Tracking to Combat ORC
Law enforcement agencies require advanced surveillance and tracking tools to combat ORC. One of the most effective solutions is using covert GPS tracking, which allows law enforcement the ability to monitor, prevent, and intercept criminal activities in real time. Here’s how:
1. Tracking Stolen Merchandise in Real Time
By putting a covert GPS tracker into high-risk merchandise, law enforcement agencies can monitor stolen items and track their movement to identify criminal networking activities. Covert GPS trackers provide real-time location updates, allowing officers to pinpoint where stolen goods are being taken.
2. Identifying and Dismantling ORC Networks
ORC operations are not limited to a single store or only certain locations. Criminals often move stolen goods between multiple cities or across state lines. With GPS tracking, law enforcement can identify key locations where stolen merchandise is stored or resold, leading to larger busts that dismantle entire crime rings rather than just apprehending individual thieves.
3. Enhancing Surveillance Without Detection
The discrete nature of GPS tracking means that criminals remain unaware they are being monitored. This allows law enforcement to gather evidence without alerting suspects. Unlike traditional surveillance methods, which mainly require continuous human observation, covert GPS trackers provide automated updates, freeing up valuable resources for other investigative efforts.
4. Improving Response Time and Recovery Efforts
When a high-risk theft occurs, timing is critical. GPS tracking allows law enforcement to respond quickly, intercept suspects before they dispose of stolen merchandise, and recover stolen goods before they enter illegal resale markets. This rapid response will significantly reduce financial losses for retailers and disrupt criminal activities.
The Future of ORC Prevention with GPS Technology
As ORC tactics become more sophisticated, so must law enforcement strategies. Covert GPS tracking is an important law enforcement tool that provides a technological edge in the fight against organized retail crime. By using GPS tracking in investigative practices, law enforcement agencies can stay ahead of criminals, protect businesses, and improve public safety.
For agencies looking to enhance their ORC prevention efforts, TactiTrack GPS offers solutions designed to meet the demands of modern law enforcement. To learn more about GPS tracking regarding ORC investigations, contact us online or call us at (888) 866-2715.
