Grassroots in Action: 2024 Western States Organized Retail Crime Conference Sets a New Standard

The Western States Organized Retail Crime Alliance (WSORCA) recently made history with its first-ever in-person event, the 2024 Western States Organized Retail Crime Conference. Held from September 10th to 12th, 2024, at eBay's corporate headquarters in Draper, Utah, this event marked a significant milestone for the fight against organized retail crime (ORC) in the Western U.S.

Over 400 attendees, including law enforcement officers, retailers, prosecutors, and vendors, gathered for the 2.5-day conference, which was driven by a powerful grassroots effort. Eleven Organized Retail Crime Associations (ORCAs) from across the Western states played a pivotal role in organizing this collaborative event, highlighting the strength and unity of these grassroots organizations in combating ORC.

A New Model for Industry Conferences

---

The 2024 conference set itself apart from other industry events by showcasing the power of community-driven initiatives. Unlike the traditional corporate-sponsored or vendor-focused conferences, WSORCA's event emphasized collaboration between industry professionals rather than sales. Vendors at the conference were not just sponsors; they actively participated alongside law enforcement and retailers, contributing their expertise and working towards the common goal of addressing ORC.

This collaborative spirit extended across the entire conference, creating an atmosphere of shared purpose. Attendees repeatedly praised the event’s unity of purpose, noting how seamlessly retailers, law enforcement, prosecutors, and vendors worked together to share knowledge, resources, and strategies to combat ORC. This level of partnership is rarely seen at typical industry events and is a hallmark of WSORCA’s unique grassroots approach.

Tackling Organized Retail Crime: A Multifaceted Approach

---

The conference featured an impressive lineup of industry experts who presented on a wide range of topics, from Open-Source Intelligence to Task Force creation, and from the tactical use of mobile surveillance to prosecutorial strategies with representatives from District Attorney and Attorney General offices. The agenda was packed with informative sessions aimed at equipping attendees with actionable strategies for combating organized retail crime, while also leaving room for valuable networking opportunities.

This multifaceted approach to combating ORC is central to WSORCA’s mission of educating law enforcement and retailers alike. The success of this year’s event demonstrated that a grassroots organization can provide the same level of impact, if not greater, than its more commercially driven counterparts.

Vendors as True Partners, Not Just Sponsors

---

One of the standout aspects of this year’s conference was the role of vendors. Rather than being present solely to market their products, vendors took on a more collaborative role, actively contributing to the success of the event. Their involvement in the discussions and workshops helped create a unique synergy among all participants, setting this conference apart from more traditional events.

A Unified Front Against ORC

---

The conference was a powerful demonstration of the strength that comes from unity. Across the board, from law enforcement agencies to retailers and vendors, there was a shared sense of purpose in fighting organized retail crime. This unity was repeatedly cited as the most distinctive and impactful element of the conference. The collaborative atmosphere fostered at the event is exactly what WSORCA aims to achieve in its ongoing mission to create stronger partnerships across the industry to combat ORC.

Looking to the Future

---

The success of this year’s Western States Organized Retail Crime Conference has set a new standard for industry gatherings. The event demonstrated the untapped potential of grassroots initiatives in addressing complex challenges like organized retail crime. As WSORCA continues to evolve, its commitment to collaboration and community-driven efforts will remain central to its mission.

CLEAR understands that when industry professionals unite around common goals and a spirit of collaboration, the outcomes can be truly transformative. As WSORCA plans for the future, CLEAR is committed to supporting their ongoing efforts to strengthen this foundation, promote unity, and drive impactful change in the fight against organized retail crime.

"The 2024 Western States Organized Retail Crime Conference was a game-changer for law enforcement, retailers, and solution providers alike. It really demonstrated what we at CLEAR have been promoting for more than a decades… We can achieve great success when we all come together with a common goal!," said Jason Davies, CLEAR Vice President of Retail.

"What impressed me the most was the incredible collaboration between law enforcement, retailers, and industry partners through a grassroots movement. Everyone worked hand in hand generating a level of energy and teamwork you don’t typically see at larger retail industry events," He continued, "This event wasn’t just about discussing problems—it was about finding real, actionable solutions. The teamwork and dedication on display is the standard that CLEAR continues to promote as to how we all should approach organized retail crime moving forward. This model of collaboration is exactly how the vision and mission of CLEAR was envisioned and will continue to shape how we combat retail crime nationwide."

Virginia’s ORC Legislative Luncheon

On August 28th, 2024, the Virginia Office of the Attorney General, led by Attorney General Jason Miyares, hosted a pivotal Organized Retail Crime (ORC) Roundtable Legislative Luncheon. This event gathered key players from law enforcement, retail, and the legislature to discuss ongoing initiatives to combat the growing threat of organized retail theft in Virginia. Among the attendees was Mark McDermott, CLEAR Regional Director and Group Manager of Investigations for JCPenney, who actively participated in the discussions representing the retail sector.

The luncheon, which brought together state senators, representatives, Commonwealth attorneys, and members of the Commonwealth Retail Association, focused on the collaboration between public and private sectors in tackling ORC. Kyle Woods, head of the ORC Task Force formed by Attorney General Miyares, emphasized the importance of this cooperation. The task force is dedicated to streamlining efforts to target and dismantle large-scale criminal organizations that engage in organized theft, a crime that costs Virginia retailers around $1.3 billion annually.

Mark McDermott spoke on behalf of retailers, highlighting the serious challenges they face in dealing with ORC. He discussed how this complex issue affects both businesses and communities, pointing out that legislators are often unaware of its broader, long-term impacts. He also shared insights into CLEAR’s role in supporting state and federal efforts to strengthen ORC prosecution, stating, "Events like this luncheon are a vital step forward in building the necessary partnerships to truly combat organized retail crime. By bringing together lawmakers and enforcement agencies, we can create a unified front that not only addresses theft but also protects the future of our businesses and communities."

The roundtable also discussed recent legislative developments in Virginia. As part of the state's broader anti-ORC strategy, new laws, including Virginia Code § 18.2-103.1, have been enacted. These laws allow for the aggregation of theft incidents across multiple counties into a single charge, simplifying prosecution and streamlining law enforcement efforts. The goal is to deliver more efficient and severe penalties for those involved in organized retail theft​.

The luncheon ended with productive conversations between retailers and law enforcement, pushing for stronger collaboration and more robust efforts to combat ORC statewide. As McDermott underscored, the success of initiatives like these relies on sustained communication and partnership among all involved stakeholders.

The Attorney General’s task force, in collaboration with retailers and law enforcement, continues to drive forward in this fight, ensuring that the right resources are allocated to protect businesses and consumers alike​.

Sources: 13News Now, Virginia Attorney General

Sources: 13News Now, Virginia Attorney General

California Strengthens Penalties Against Organized Retail Crime (ORC)

In response to the growing surge of organized retail crime (ORC), California Governor Gavin Newsom has recently signed Assembly Bill 1960, a significant piece of legislation aimed at combating large-scale theft, particularly incidents like "smash-and-grab" crimes. This new law enhances felony penalties when the value of stolen goods or property damage exceeds $50,000, providing law enforcement with more robust tools to address these crimes. A key feature of the bill is its provision allowing law enforcement to aggregate the value of stolen goods from related incidents to meet felony thresholds. This is designed to more effectively dismantle organized crime rings that have increasingly plagued California’s retail sector.

ORC is a nationwide issue that has been steadily rising, with the National Retail Federation reporting that such crimes cost U.S. retailers over $100 billion annually. These crimes often involve coordinated groups targeting large quantities of goods for resale on secondary markets, posing a challenge for retailers and law enforcement alike. Retailers, especially in major urban areas, have experienced escalating theft and violence, which has disrupted operations and caused widespread concern.

In California, the problem has reached critical levels. High-profile thefts have been reported in cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, where both luxury stores and small businesses have been hit hard. As a result, some retailers are reconsidering their operations due to repeated theft incidents. California, with its major metropolitan centers and proximity to key transit hubs, has become a hotspot for ORC activities, and businesses are facing significant financial losses.

The passage of AB 1960 underscores California's commitment to addressing ORC through stronger legal measures. John Clark, Executive Director of CLEAR (Coalition of Law Enforcement and Retail), emphasized the importance of this legislation in supporting prosecutorial efforts, particularly in cases where organized groups target firearms retailers through smash-and-grab tactics. Clark has also been a key advocate for Operation Secure Store, a collaborative initiative between the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), which aims to bolster security at firearms retailers and foster closer cooperation between law enforcement and the firearms industry.

California's new law is part of a broader, nationwide crackdown on ORC, with other states also tightening penalties and coordinating with federal authorities to curb the crime. As California takes the lead with AB 1960, it sets a precedent for other states to follow, offering a legislative model aimed at safeguarding businesses and communities from the increasing threat posed by organized retail theft.

For more information regarding this legislation, visit the official announcement.