MARLBOROUGH, Mass. — Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New England recognized critical partnerships to combat organized retail crime (ORC) with law enforcement and private industry partners during an awards ceremony on Dec. 13.
Fifty-eight investigators from 12 state and local police departments and 15 retailers were recognized by HSI at the event held at in Marlborough.
“HSI relies on the unique expertise of our partners in law enforcement and private industry to help us bring complex organized retail crime investigations to fruition,” said HSI New England Assistant Special Agent in Charge Sean Garvey. “Organized retail crime is a low-risk, high reward crime that funds domestic and international criminal organizations and demands our attention to safeguard the interstate and international commerce of the United States. The results we’ve achieved in our investigations thus far are only possible through the hard work of the incredible investigators we are honoring here today.”
HSI New England presented certificates of thanks to law enforcement representatives from the Massachusetts State Police, the Burlington Police Department, the Milford Police Department, the Natick Police Department, the Northeastern University Police Department, the Newton Police Department, and the Westborough Police Department in Massachusetts; the Nashua and Salem Police Departments in New Hampshire; the Cranston Police Department in Rhode Island; the New England State Police Information Network; and the HSI Lead Development Center. HSI New England also presented certificates of thanks to investigators and asset protection professionals from retail partners from Ahold Delhaize USA, Burlington, CVS Health, Dick’s Sporting Goods, EssilorLuxottica, Harbor Freight Tools, Kohl’s, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Sephora, the Target Corporation, TJX Companies, Victoria’s Secret, Ulta Beauty, and Walgreens.
HSI defines ORC as the association of two or more persons engaged in illegally obtaining items of value from retail establishments, through theft and/or fraud, as part of a criminal enterprise.
Estimates reveal ORC costs federal and state governments nearly $15 billion in lost tax revenue, not including lost sales taxes. It is estimated that the average American family will pay more than $500 annually in additional costs due to the impact of ORC.
ORC is not shoplifting, and these crimes are not victimless. In addition to the growing number of thefts that turn violent, consumers, local communities and businesses bear the costs of rising prices. These thefts are detrimental to both businesses, small and large alike, and the overall economy as they pose both societal and health risks to the community.
Members of the public can report suspicious activity, including organized retail crime, by calling the toll-free tip line at 877-4-HSI-TIP.