Highlights. Stores lost $121.6 billion to retail theft in 2023; projections indicate shoplifting could cost retailers over $150 billion in 2026.
- Retailers lost $112.1 billion in gross revenue and $84.9 billion in fraudulent sales returns in 2022.
- In 2022, shoplifting losses grew 19.4% year-over-year; as a share of retail sales dollars, losses to theft increased 10.5%.
- 58% of organized retail crime is cargo theft.
- The average shoplifting incident cost retailers $461.86 in 2020.
- Stores catch shoplifters roughly 2.0% of the time; the average shoplifter is arrested once out of every 100 incidents.
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Retail Theft Loss Statistics
Retailers lost a greater share of potential revenue to retail theft in 2020 than in any other year. Experts attribute some of the increased value of retail theft to currency inflation.
- Retailers lost $93.9 billion in gross revenue to theft in 2021, up 3.41% year-over-year (YoY).
- At 37%, external theft (i.e., shoplifting) represents the largest share of losses from retail theft.
- 9.09% of Americans shoplift; juveniles aged 12-16 are most likely to shoplift (1-in-4).
- 74.1% of retailers report increases in external theft over 5 years (2016 – 2021).
- 28.5% of retail theft is internal or employee theft.
- 56.9% of retailers report increased internal theft over 5 years.
- 25.7% of retail theft results from process and control failures.
- 8.9% of theft losses are due to other or unknown causes.
- From 2019 to 2020, the dollar value of retail theft losses increased 47.2%.
- The dollar amount loss per shoplifting incident increased 71.2% from 2019 to 2020.
Organized Retail Crime Statistics
Statistics indicate that organized retail crime may be trending upward, with incidents having increased by as much as 26.5% between 2020 and 2021.
- Retailers lost up to $0.72 of every $1,000 to organized retail crime in 2020, up 2.31% YoY.
- 40% of organized retail crime happens at the distribution center.
- 45% of organized retail crime happens en route from the distribution center to the store.
- 38% of organized retail crime is in-store theft.
- 35% of organized retail crime happens en route from one store to another.
- 70.7% of retailers report an increase in organized retail crime incidents over 5 years.
Product Category | Item Stolen Most |
---|---|
Apparel | Athletic clothes, denim, graphic T-shirts |
Electronics | Mobile devices and tablets, audio, batteries |
Health and beauty | Body cream, body wash, cosmetics |
Accessories | Backpacks, handbags, hats |
Home furnishings | Bedding, candles, drop-front shoeboxes |
Home improvement | Household chemicals, mechanic tools, electronic wire |
Food and beverage | Alcohol, candy and gum, energy drinks |
Children’s items | Diapers, infant formula |
Other | Ammunition, baseball bats and gloves, fuel |
Footwear | Branded athletic shoes, designer footwear, high-end Western boots |
Return Fraud Statistics
Return fraud is not included in theft statistics; additional crimes not counted as retail theft include gift card fraud, payment fraud, robbery, and burglary.
- States lost a total of $4.743 billion in taxes to retail return fraud in 2022.
- 37.9% of retailers report increased incidents of return fraud over 5 years.
- Return fraud represents about 10.4% of retail merchandise returns.
- 10.3% of in-store returns are fraudulent.
- Return fraud represents 10.7% of online sales.
- 10.1% of holiday returns are fraudulent.
Small Business Retail Theft
Theft impacts the majority of small retail businesses in the United States.
- Each year, at least 85.5% of small businesses experience retail theft.
- 74.8% of brick-and-mortar small businesses say they experience customers shoplifting monthly; 52.7% report shoplifting weekly or more frequently.
- Small businesses lose an average of $1,686 per month to retail theft.
- 68.4% of small businesses report losing at least $1,000 in monthly theft losses; 22.4% report at least $2,000 in losses.
- 57.6% of small businesses experience internal or employee theft.
- In 2023, 41% of small business owners said the value of items stolen has increased from previous years.
- In response to retail theft, 64.0% of small businesses have increased prices, and 50.5% have installed security cameras.
Retail Theft by State
While retailers lose revenue from theft, states also miss out on retail sales tax dollars from stolen merchandise.
- States lost $4.345 billion in tax dollars due to retail theft in 2022.
- The average state’s felony threshold for theft is $1,156.
- Hawaii retailers lost the most potential revenue per capita ($2,303.80).
- North Carolina lost the least potential revenue per capita to theft ($215.74).
- Colorado lost the lowest rate of state retail sales tax at $7.37 per capita.
Rank | FY 2022 |
---|---|
1 | Los Angeles, CA |
2 | SF/Oakland, CA |
3 | Houston, TX |
4 | New York, NY |
5 | Seattle, WA |
6 | Atlanta, GA |
8* | Sacramento, CA |
8* | Chicago, IL |
11** | Denver, CO |
11** | Miami, FL |
11** | Albuquerque, NM |
*Tied
**3-way tie
Alabama Retail Theft Statistics
Retailers in Alabama lost $1.202 billion in revenue to theft in 2022.
- Alabama retailers lost $303.43 in sales per capita in 2022.
- Retail theft per capita in Alabama is 11.8% lower than the average among states.
- Theft of $500 or more is a felony in Alabama.
- Return fraud cost Alabama retailers an estimated $1.306 billion in sales revenue, bringing total losses as high as $2.508 billion.
- The State of Alabama lost out on $48.1 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
- Alabama lost $52.2 million to return fraud, bringing the total of lost state tax dollars to over $100 million.
Alaska Retail Theft Statistics
Retailers in Alaska lost $202 million in revenue to theft in 2022.
- Alaska retailers lost $363.27 in sales per capita in 2022.
- Retail theft per capita in Alaska is 5.56% above the national average.
- Theft of $750 or more is a felony in Alaska.
- Return fraud cost Alaska retailers an estimated $220 million in sales revenue, bringing total losses as high as $422 million.
- The State of Alaska does not collect retail sales tax.
Arizona Retail Theft Statistics
Retailers in Arizona lost an estimated $1.500 billion in revenue to theft in 2022.
- Arizona retailers lost $260.01 in sales per capita in 2022.
- Retail theft per capita in Arizona is 24.4% lower than the average among states.
- Theft of $1,000 or more is a felony in Arizona.
- Return fraud cost Arizona retailers an estimated $1.629 billion in sales revenue, bringing total losses as high as $3.130 billion.
- The State of Arizona lost out on $84.0 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
- Arizona sales tax dollars lost to fraud totaled $91.2 million, bringing the total of lost state tax dollars to over $175 million.
Arkansas Retail Theft Statistics
Retailers in Arkansas lost $775.5 million in revenue to theft in 2022.
- Arkansas retailers lost $330.21 in sales per capita in 2022.
- Retail theft per capita in Arkansas is 4.04% lower than the average among states.
- Theft of $1,000 or more is a felony in Arkansas.
- Return fraud cost Arkansas retailers an estimated $842 million in sales revenue, bringing total losses as high as $1.618 billion.
- The State of Arkansas lost out on $50.4 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
- Arkansas sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $54.7 million, bringing the total of lost state tax dollars to $105 million.
California Retail Theft Statistics
Retailers in California lost $8.720 billion in revenue to theft in 2022.
- California retailers lost $285.70 in sales per capita in 2022.
- Retail theft per capita in California is 17.0% lower than the average among states.
- Theft of $950 or more is a felony in California.
- Return fraud cost California retailers an estimated $9.471 billion in sales revenue, bringing total lost sales dollars up to $18.2 billion.
- The State of California lost out on $568 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
- California sales tax dollars lost to fraud totaled $687 million, bringing the total of lost state sales tax dollars to $1.319 billion.
Colorado Retail Theft Statistics
Retailers in Colorado lost $1.289 billion in revenue to theft in 2022.
- Colorado retailers lost $278.75 in sales per capita in 2022.
- Retail theft per capita in Colorado is 19.0% lower than the average among states.
- Theft of $2,000 or more is a felony in Colorado.
- Return fraud cost Colorado retailers an estimated $1.400 billion in sales revenue, bringing total losses as high as $2.689 billion.
- The State of Colorado lost out on $37.4 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
- Colorado sales tax dollars lost to fraud total $40.6 million, bringing the total of lost sales tax dollars to $78.0 million.
Connecticut Retail Theft Statistics
Retailers in Connecticut lost $895 million in revenue to theft in 2022.
- Connecticut retailers lost $309.17 in sales per capita in 2022.
- Retail theft per capita in Connecticut is 10.2% lower than the average among states.
- Theft of $2,000 or more is a felony in Connecticut.
- Return fraud cost Connecticut retailers an estimated $972 million in sales revenue, bringing total retail losses as high as $1.867 billion.
- The State of Connecticut lost out on $56.8 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
- Connecticut sales tax dollars lost to fraud total $61.7 million, bringing the total of lost sales tax dollars to $119 million.
Delaware Retail Theft Statistics
Retailers in Delaware lost $262 million in revenue to theft in 2022.
- Delaware retailers lost $323.84 in sales per capita in 2022.
- Retail theft per capita in Delaware is 5.89% lower than the average among states.
- Theft of $1,500 or more is a felony in Delaware.
- Return fraud cost Delaware retailers an estimated $285 million in sales revenue, bringing total retail losses as high as $547 million.
- The State of Delaware does not collect retail sales tax dollars.
District of Columbia Retail Theft Statistics
Retailers in D.C. lost $120 million in revenue to theft in 2022.
- D.C. retailers lost $219.69 in sales per capita in 2022.
- Retail theft per capita in D.C. is 36.2% less than the average among states.
- Theft of $1,000 or more is a felony in D.C.
- Return fraud cost D.C. retailers an estimated $131 million in sales revenue.
- The District of Columbia lost out on $7.21 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
- D.C. sales tax dollars lost to fraud total $7.84 million, bringing the total retail sales tax dollars lost as high as $15.0 million.
Florida Retail Theft Statistics
Retailers in Florida lost $5.421 billion in revenue to theft in 2022.
- Florida retailers lost $302.05 in sales per capita in 2022.
- Retail theft per capita in Florida is 12.2% lower than the average among states.
- Theft of $750 or more is a felony in Florida.
- Return fraud cost Florida retailers an estimated $5.888 billion in sales revenue, making total lost retail sales dollars as high as $11.3 billion.
- The State of Florida lost out on $325 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
- Florida sales tax dollars lost to fraud totaled $353 million, making total lost state sales tax as high as $679 million.
Georgia Retail Theft Statistics
Retailers in Georgia lost $2.356 billion in revenue to theft in 2022.
- Georgia retailers lost $280.36 in sales per capita in 2022.
- Retail theft per capita in Georgia is 18.5% lower than the average among states.
- Theft of $1,500 or more is a felony in Georgia.
- Return fraud cost Georgia retailers an estimated $2.559 billion in sales revenue, making total retail sales losses as high as $4.91 billion.
- The State of Georgia lost out on $94.2 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
- Georgia sales tax dollars lost to return fraud $102 million, bringing total lost sales tax dollars to $197 million.
Hawaii Retail Theft Statistics
Retailers in Hawaii lost $2.633 billion in revenue to theft in 2022. Note that Hawaii’s tourism trade influences the state’s inflated numbers.
- Hawaii retailers lost $2,373.80 in sales per capita in 2022.
- Retail theft per capita in Hawaii is 569% higher than the average among states.
- Theft of $750 or more is a felony in Hawaii.
- Return fraud cost Hawaii retailers an estimated $2.860 billion in sales revenue, bringing total lost retail sales up to $5.493 billion.
- The State of Hawaii lost out on $105 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
- Hawaii sales tax dollars lost to return fraud total $114 million, bringing lost state sales tax dollars to $220 million.
Idaho Retail Theft Statistics
Retailers in Idaho lost $407 million in revenue to theft in 2022.
- Idaho retailers lost $275.53 in sales per capita in 2022.
- Retail theft per capita in Idaho is 19.9% lower than the average among states.
- Theft of $1,000 or more is a felony in Idaho.
- Return fraud cost Idaho retailers an estimated $442 million in sales revenue, bringing total retail sales losses up to $848 million.
- The State of Idaho lost out on $24.4 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
- Idaho sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totals $26.5 million, bringing lost state sales tax dollars to $50.9 million.
Illinois Retail Theft Statistics
Retailers in Illinois lost $2.968 billion in revenue to theft in 2022.
- Illinois retailers lost $300.94 in sales per capita in 2022.
- Retail theft per capita in Illinois is 12.5% lower than the average among states.
- Theft of $500 or more is a felony in Illinois.
- Return fraud cost Illinois retailers an estimated $3.223 billion in sales revenue, bringing total retail sales losses up to $6.191 billion.
- The State of Illinois lost out on $185 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
- Illinois sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $201 million, bringing total lost sales tax dollars up to $387 million.
Indiana Retail Theft Statistics
Retailers in Indiana lost $1.517 billion in revenue to theft in 2022.
- Indiana retailers lost $288.31 in sales per capita in 2022.
- Retail theft per capita in Indiana is 16.2% lower than the average among states.
- Theft of $750 or more is a felony in Indiana.
- Return fraud cost Indiana retailers an estimated $1.648 billion in sales revenue, bringing total retail sales losses up to $3.165 billion.
- The State of Indiana lost out on $106 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
- Indiana sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $115 million, bringing total lost sales tax up to $222 million.
Iowa Retail Theft Statistics
Retailers in Iowa lost $763 million in revenue to theft in 2022.
- Iowa retailers lost $308.28 in sales per capita in 2022.
- Retail theft per capita in Iowa is 10.4% lower than the average among states.
- Theft of $1,500 or more is a felony in Iowa.
- Return fraud cost Iowa retailers an estimated $829 million in sales revenue, bringing total retail sales losses up to $1.592 billion.
- The State of Iowa lost out on $45.8 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
- Iowa sales tax dollars lost to return fraud total $49.7, bringing the total lost sales tax up to $95.5 million.
Kansas Retail Theft Statistics
Retailers in Kansas lost $616 million in revenue to theft in 2022.
- Kansas retailers lost $274.24 in sales per capita in 2022.
- Retail theft per capita in Kansas is 20.3% lower than the average among states.
- Theft of $1,500 or more is a felony in Kansas.
- Return fraud cost Kansas retailers an estimated $669 million in sales revenue, bringing total retail sales losses up to $1.285 billion.
- The State of Kansas lost out on $40.0 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
- Kansas sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $43.5 million, bringing the total lost sales tax up to $83.5 million.
Kentucky Retail Theft Statistics
Retailers in Kentucky lost $990 million in revenue to theft in 2022.
- Kentucky retailers lost $282.18 in sales per capita in 2022.
- Retail theft per capita in Kentucky is 18.0% lower than the average among states.
- Theft of $1,000 or more is a felony in Kentucky.
- Return fraud cost Kentucky retailers an estimated $1.075 billion in sales revenue, bringing total lost retail sales to $2.065 billion.
- The State of Kentucky lost out on $59.4 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
- Kentucky sales tax dollars lost to fraud totaled $64.5 billion, bringing the total lost sales tax up to $124 million.
Louisiana Retail Theft Statistics
Retailers in Louisiana lost $1.058 million in revenue to theft in 2022.
- Louisiana retailers lost $299.94 in sales per capita in 2022.
- Retail theft per capita in Louisiana is 12.8% lower than the average among states.
- Theft of $1,000 or more is a felony in Louisiana.
- Return fraud cost Louisiana retailers an estimated $1.149 billion in sales revenue, bringing lost sales revenue up to $2.208 billion.
- The State of Louisiana lost out on $47.1 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
- Louisiana sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $51.2 million, bringing the total lost sales tax up to $98.2 million.
Maine Retail Theft Statistics
Retailers in Maine lost $373 million in revenue to theft in 2022.
- Maine retailers lost $327.94 in sales per capita in 2022.
- Retail theft per capita in Maine is 4.70% lower than the average among states.
- Theft of $1,000 or more is a felony in Maine.
- Return fraud cost Maine retailers an estimated $405 million in sales revenue, bringing lost sales revenue up to $778 million.
- The State of Maine lost out on $20.5 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
- Maine sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $22.3 million, bringing the total lost sales tax up to $42.8 million.
Maryland Retail Theft Statistics
Retailers in Maryland lost $1.403 billion in revenue to theft in 2022.
- Maryland retailers lost $291.21 in sales per capita in 2022.
- Retail theft per capita in Maryland is 15.4% lower than the average among states.
- Theft of $1,500 or more is a felony in Maryland.
- Return fraud cost Maryland retailers an estimated $1.524 billion in sales revenue, bringing the total retail sales loss to $2.927 billion.
- The State of Maryland lost out on $84.2 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
- Maryland sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $91.4 million, bringing the total lost sales tax up to $176 million.
Massachusetts Retail Theft Statistics
Retailers in Massachusetts lost $1.656 billion in revenue to theft in 2022.
- Massachusetts retailers lost $293.43 in sales per capita in 2022.
- Retail theft per capita in Massachusetts is 14.7% lower than the average among states.
- Theft of $1,200 or more is a felony in Massachusetts.
- Return fraud cost Massachusetts retailers an estimated $1.790 billion in sales revenue, bringing the total lost retail sales to $3.446 billion.
- The State of Massachusetts lost out on $103.5 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
- Massachusetts sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $112 million, bringing the total lost sales tax to $216 million.
Michigan Retail Theft Statistics
Retailers in Michigan lost $2.298 billion in revenue to theft in 2022.
- Michigan retailers lost $289.97 in sales per capita in 2022.
- Retail theft per capita in Michigan is 15.7% lower than the average among states.
- Theft of $1,000 or more is a felony in Michigan.
- Return fraud cost Michigan retailers an estimated $2.496 billion in sales revenue, bringing the total lost retail sales to $4.793 billion.
- The State of Michigan lost out on $138 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
- Michigan sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $150 million, bringing the total lost sales tax to $288 million.
Minnesota Retail Theft Statistics
Retailers in Minnesota lost $1.453 billion in revenue to theft in 2022.
- Minnesota retailers lost $328.61 in sales per capita in 2022.
- Retail theft per capita in Minnesota is 4.51% lower than the average among states.
- Theft of $1,000 or more is a felony in Minnesota.
- Return fraud cost Minnesota retailers an estimated $1.579 billion in sales revenue, bringing the lost retail sales total to $3.032 billion.
- The State of Minnesota lost out on $100 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
- Minnesota sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $109 million, bringing the total lost sales tax to $209 million.
Mississippi Retail Theft Statistics
Retailers in Mississippi lost $775 million in revenue to theft in 2022.
- Mississippi retailers lost $342.48 in sales per capita in 2022.
- Retail theft per capita in Mississippi is 0.48% lower than the average among states.
- Theft of $1,000 or more is a felony in Mississippi.
- Return fraud cost Mississippi retailers an estimated $841 million in sales revenue, bringing the total lost retail sales to $1.616 billion.
- The State of Mississippi lost out on $54.2 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
- Mississippi sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $58.9 million, bringing the total lost sales tax to $113 million.
Missouri Retail Theft Statistics
Retailers in Missouri lost $1.602 billion in revenue to theft in 2022.
- Missouri retailers lost $332.92 in sales per capita in 2022.
- Retail theft per capita in Missouri is 3.26% lower than the average among states.
- Theft of $750 or more is a felony in Missouri.
- Return fraud cost Missouri retailers an estimated $1.740 billion in sales revenue, bringing the total lost retail sales up to $3.343 billion.
- The State of Missouri lost out on $67.8 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
- Missouri sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $73.5 million, bringing the total lost sales tax to $141 million.
Montana Retail Theft Statistics
Retailers in Montana lost $298 million in revenue to theft in 2022.
- Montana retailers lost $334.73 in sales per capita in 2022.
- Retail theft per capita in Montana is 2.73% lower than the average among states.
- Theft of $1,500 or more is a felony in Montana.
- Return fraud cost Montana retailers an estimated $323 million in sales revenue, bringing lost retail sales up to $621 million.
- The State of Montana does not collect retail sales tax.
Nebraska Retail Theft Statistics
Retailers in Nebraska lost $506 million in revenue to theft in 2022.
- Nebraska retailers lost $339.40 in sales per capita in 2022.
- Retail theft per capita in Nebraska is 1.37% lower than the average among states.
- Theft of $1,500 or more is a felony in Nebraska.
- Return fraud cost Nebraska retailers an estimated $550 million in sales revenue, bringing the lost retail sales total up to $1.056 billion.
- The State of Nebraska lost out on $27.8 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
- Nebraska sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $30.2 million, bringing the total lost sales tax to $58.1 million.
Nevada Retail Theft Statistics
Retailers in Nevada lost $847 million in revenue to theft in 2022.
- Nevada retailers lost $340.28 in sales per capita in 2022.
- Retail theft per capita in Nevada is 1.12% lower than the average among states.
- Theft of $1,200 or more is a felony in Nevada.
- Return fraud cost Nevada retailers an estimated $919 million in sales revenue, bringing total lost sales revenue up to $1.766 billion.
- The State of Nevada lost out on $58.0 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
- Nevada sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $63.0 million, bringing the total lost sales tax to $121 million.
New Hampshire Retail Theft Statistics
Retailers in New Hampshire lost $463 million in revenue to theft in 2022.
- New Hampshire retailers lost $405.51 in sales per capita in 2022.
- Retail theft per capita in New Hampshire is 17.8% higher than the average among states.
- Theft of $1,000 or more is a felony in New Hampshire.
- Return fraud cost New Hampshire retailers an estimated $503 million in sales revenue, bringing the total lost retail sales up to $966 million.
- The State of New Hampshire does not collect retail sales tax.
New Jersey Retail Theft Statistics
Retailers in New Jersey lost $2.313 billion in revenue to theft in 2022.
- New Jersey retailers lost $318.22 in sales per capita in 2022.
- Retail theft per capita in New Jersey is7.53% lower than the average among states.
- Theft of $200 or more is a felony in New Jersey.
- Return fraud cost New Jersey retailers an estimated $2.512 billion in sales revenue, bringing total retail revenue losses to $5.824 billion.
- The State of New Jersey lost out on $155 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
- New Jersey sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $166 million, bringing the total lost sales tax up to $320 million.
New Mexico Retail Theft Statistics
Retailers in New Mexico lost $513 million in revenue to theft in 2022.
- New Mexico retailers lost $309.92 in sales per capita in 2022.
- Retail theft per capita in New Mexico is 9.94% lower than the average among states.
- Theft of $500 or more is a felony in New Mexico.
- Return fraud cost New Mexico retailers an estimated $557 million in sales revenue, bringing total retail sales losses to $1.069 billion.
- The State of New Mexico lost out on $26.2 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
- New Mexico sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $28.5 million, bringing the total lost sales tax up to $53.8 million.
New York Retail Theft Statistics
Retailers in New York lost $4.404 billion in revenue to theft in 2022.
- New York retailers lost $280.72 in sales per capita in 2022.
- Retail theft per capita in New York is 18.4% lower than the average among states.
- Theft of $1,000 or more is a felony in New York.
- Return fraud cost New York retailers an estimated $4.783 billion in sales revenue, bringing total lost sales revenue to $9.187 billion.
- The State of New York lost out on $176 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
- New York sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $191 million, bringing the total lost sales tax up to $367 million.
North Carolina Retail Theft Statistics
Retailers in North Carolina lost $1.813 billion in revenue to theft in 2022.
- North Carolina retailers lost $215.74 in sales per capita in 2022.
- Retail theft per capita in North Carolina is 37.3% lower than the average among states.
- Theft of $1,000 or more is a felony in North Carolina.
- Return fraud cost North Carolina retailers an estimated $2.484 billion in sales revenue, bringing total lost sales revenue to $4.297 billion.
- The State of North Carolina lost out on $86.1 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
- North Carolina sales tax dollars lost to return fraid totaled $118 million, bringing the total lost sales tax up to $204 million.
North Dakota Retail Theft Statistics
Retailers in North Dakota lost $220 million in revenue to theft in 2022.
- North Dakota retailers lost $368.67 in sales per capita in 2022.
- Retail theft per capita in North Dakota is 7.13% higher than the average among states.
- Theft of $1,000 or more is a felony in North Dakota.
- Return fraud cost North Dakota retailers an estimated $239 million in sales revenue, bringing total retail losses up to $459 million.
- The State of North Dakota lost out on $11.0 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
- North Dakota sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $11.9 million, bringing the total lost sales tax up to $22.9 million.
Ohio Retail Theft Statistics
Retailers in Ohio lost $2.527 billion in revenue to theft in 2022.
- Ohio retailers lost $274.88 in sales per capita in 2022.
- Retail theft per capita in Ohio is 20.1% lower than the average among states.
- Theft of $1,000 or more is a felony in Ohio.
- Return fraud cost Ohio retailers an estimated $2.745 billion in sales revenue, bringing total retail sales losses up to $5.272 billion.
- The State of Ohio lost out on $145 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
- Ohio sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $158 million, bringing the lost sales tax to $303 million.
Oklahoma Retail Theft Statistics
Retailers in Oklahoma lost $848 million in revenue to theft in 2022.
- Oklahoma retailers lost $276.42 in sales per capita in 2022.
- Retail theft per capita in Oklahoma is 19.7% lower than the average among states.
- Theft of $1,000 or more is a felony in Oklahoma.
- Return fraud cost Oklahoma retailers an estimated $921 million in sales revenue, bringing retail sales losses up to $1.768 billion.
- The State of Oklahoma lost out on $38.1 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
- Oklahoma sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $41.4 million, bringing the lost sales tax to $79.6 million.
Oregon Retail Theft Statistics
Retailers in Oregon lost $956 million in revenue to theft in 2022.
- Oregon retailers lost $280.84 in sales per capita in 2022.
- Retail theft per capita in Oregon is 18.4% lower than the average among states.
- Theft of $1,000 or more is a felony in Oregon.
- Return fraud cost Oregon retailers an estimated $1.038 billion in sales revenue, bringing retail losses up to $1.994 billion.
- The State of Oregon does not collect retail sales tax.
Pennsylvania Retail Theft Statistics
Retailers in Pennsylvania lost $2.937 billion in revenue to theft in 2022.
- Pennsylvania retailers lost $283.84 in sales per capita in 2022.
- Retail theft per capita in Pennsylvania is 17.5% lower than the average among states.
- Theft of $2,000 or more is a felony in Pennsylvania.
- Return fraud cost Pennsylvania retailers an estimated $3.190 billion in sales revenue, bringing retail sales losses to $6.127 billion.
- The State of Pennsylvania lost out on $176 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
- Pennsylvania sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $191 million, bringing lost sales tax to $368 million.
Rhode Island Retail Theft Statistics
Retailers in Rhode Island lost $244 million in revenue to theft in 2022.
- Rhode Island retailers lost $274.68 in sales per capita in 2022.
- Retail theft per capita in Rhode Island is 20.2% lower than the average among states.
- Theft of $1,500 or more is a felony in Rhode Island.
- Return fraud cost Rhode Island retailers an estimated $265 million in sales revenue, bringing retail sales losses to $510 million.
- The State of Rhode Island lost out on $17.1 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
- Rhode Island sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $18.6 million, bringing the total lost sales tax to $35.7 million.
South Carolina Retail Theft Statistics
Retailers in South Carolina lost $1.126 billion in revenue to theft in 2022.
- South Carolina retailers lost $270.45 in sales per capita in 2022.
- Retail theft per capita in South Carolina is 21.4% lower than the average among states.
- Theft of $2,000 or more is a felony in South Carolina.
- Return fraud cost South Carolina retailers an estimated $1.223 billion in sales revenue, bringing retail sales losses to $2.350 billion.
- The State of South Carolina lost out on $67.6 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
- South Carolina sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $73.4 million, bringing the total lost sales tax to $141 million.
South Dakota Retail Theft Statistics
Retailers in South Dakota lost $263 million in revenue to theft in 2022.
- South Dakota retailers lost $380.97 in sales per capita in 2022.
- Retail theft per capita in South Dakota is 27.8% higher than the average among states.
- Theft of $1,000 or more is a felony in South Dakota.
- Return fraud cost South Dakota retailers an estimated $286 million in sales revenue, bringing retail sales losses up to $549 million.
- The State of South Dakota lost out on $11.8 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
- South Dakota sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $12.9 million, bringing the total lost sales tax to $24.7 million.
Tennessee Retail Theft Statistics
Retailers in Tennessee lost $1.674 billion in revenue to theft in 2022.
- Tennessee retailers lost $303.66 in sales per capita in 2022.
- Retail theft per capita in Tennessee is 11.8% lower than the average among states.
- Theft of $1,000 or more is a felony in Tennessee.
- Return fraud cost Tennessee retailers an estimated $1.818 billion in sales revenue, bringing retail sales losses to $3.492.
- The State of Tennessee lost out on $117 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
- Tennessee sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $127 million, bringing the total lost sales tax to $244 million.
Texas Retail Theft Statistics
Retailers in Texas lost $5.949 billion in revenue to theft in 2022.
- Texas retailers lost $263.55 in sales per capita in 2022.
- Retail theft per capita in Texas is 23.4% lower than the average among states.
- Theft of $2,500 or more is a felony in Texas.
- Return fraud cost Texas retailers an estimated $6.461 billion in sales revenue, bringing total retail sales losses to $12.4 billion.
- The State of Texas lost out on $372 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
- Texas sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $404 million, bringing the total lost sales tax to $776 million.
Utah Retail Theft Statistics
Retailers in Utah lost $654 million in revenue to theft in 2022.
- Utah retailers lost $266.94 in sales per capita in 2022.
- Retail theft per capita in Utah is 22.4% lower than the average among states.
- Theft of $1,500 or more is a felony in Utah.
- Return fraud cost Utah retailers an estimated $710 million in sales revenue, bringing retail sales losses to $1.364 billion.
- The State of Utah lost out on $31.7 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
- Utah sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $34.4 million, bringing the total lost sales tax to $66.1 million.
Vermont Retail Theft Statistics
Retailers in Vermont lost $204 million in revenue to theft in 2022.
- Vermont retailers lost $383.39 in sales per capita in 2022.
- Retail theft per capita in Vermont is 11.4% higher than the average among states.
- Theft of $900 or more is a felony in Vermont.
- Return fraud cost Vermont retailers an estimated $222 million in sales revenue, bringing retail sales losses to $426 million.
- The State of Vermont lost out on $12.2 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
- Vermont sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $13.3 million, bringing the total lost sales tax to $25.5 million.
Virginia Retail Theft Statistics
Retailers in Virginia lost $1.997 billion in revenue to theft in 2022.
- Virginia retailers lost $293.09 in sales per capita in 2022.
- Retail theft per capita in Virginia is 14.8% lower than the average among states.
- Theft of $1,000 or more is a felony in Virginia.
- Return fraud cost Virginia retailers an estimated $2.170 billion in sales revenue, bringing retail losses up to $4.168 billion.
- The State of Virginia lost out on $85.9 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
- Virginia sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $93.3 million, bringing the total lost sales tax to $179 million.
Washington Retail Theft Statistics
Retailers in Washington lost $1.685 billion in revenue to theft in 2022.
- Washington retailers lost $274.43 in sales per capita in 2022.
- Retail theft per capita in Washington is 20.3% lower than the average among states.
- Theft of $750 or more is a felony in Washington.
- Return fraud cost Washington retailers an estimated $1.830 billion in sales revenue, bringing retail losses to $3.515 billion.
- The State of Washington lost out on $109.5 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
- Washington sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $119 million, bringing the total lost sales tax to $228 million.
West Virginia Retail Theft Statistics
Retailers in West Virginia lost $433 million in revenue to theft in 2022.
- West Virginia retailers lost $304.14 in sales per capita in 2022.
- Retail theft per capita in West Virginia is 11.6% lower than the average among states.
- Theft of $1,000 or more is a felony in West Virginia.
- Return fraud cost West Virginia retailers an estimated $470 million in sales revenue, bringing retail losses to $903 million.
- The State of West Virginia lost out on $26.0 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
- West Virginia sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $28.2 million, bringing the total lost sales tax to $54.2 million.
Wisconsin Retail Theft Statistics
Retailers in Wisconsin lost $1.422 billion in revenue to theft in 2022.
- Wisconsin retailers lost $305.98 in sales per capita in 2022.
- Retail theft per capita in Wisconsin is 11.1% lower than the average among states.
- Theft of $2,500 or more is a felony in Wisconsin.
- Return fraud cost Wisconsin retailers an estimated $1.544 billion in sales revenue, bringing lost retail sales up to $2.966 billion.
- The State of Wisconsin lost out on $71.1 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
- Wisconsin sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $77.2 million, bringing the total lost sales tax to $148 million.
Wyoming Retail Theft Statistics
Retailers in Wyoming lost $182 million in revenue to theft in 2022.
- Wyoming retailers lost $403.64 in sales per capita in 2022.
- Retail theft per capita in Wyoming is 17.3% more than the average among states.
- Theft of $1,000 or more is a felony in Wyoming.
- Return fraud cost Wyoming retailers an estimated $198 million in sales revenue, bringing lost retail sales to $380 million.
- The State of Wyoming lost out on $7.29 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
- Wyoming sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $7.91 million, bringing the total lost sales tax to $15.2 million.
These data and insights were compiled by the Capital One Shopping team based on publicly available data.
Sources
- National Retail Federation
- U.S. Census Bureau
- Campaign Zero, Raise the Threshold
- Statista, Retail & Trade
- National Association for Shoplifting Prevention, The Shoplifting Problem
- Forbes, Advisor