Uniting against organized retail crime

The genesis of GROCThe Georgia Retailers Organized Crime Alliance (GROC) began in 2012 in response to the surge in smash-and-grab incidents plaguing Atlanta. The collaborative effort between retailers, legislators, and law enforcement agencies has evolved into a formidable alliance dedicated to bridging the gap between various stakeholders in the retail ecosystem. In today’s episode, Chad McManus, chair of GROC brings an expert business perspective to the fight against organized retail crime.Trends and challenges in ORCDiscussing current trends in ORC, Chad highlighted the alarming rise in violence associated with retail theft, including armed robberies and smash-and-grabs. He underscored the growing involvement of transnational theft groups and street gangs in perpetrating organized retail crime, posing significant challenges to retailers and law enforcement alike. However, GROC continues to make significant strides in curbing criminal activities through strategic partnerships and proactive measures including intelligence sharing, blitz operations, and joint investigations.Community outreach and educationChad emphasized the importance of community outreach and education in ORC prevention. From hosting annual conferences to partnering with universities and local organizations, GROC actively engages in raising awareness about the far-reaching impacts of retail crime. By empowering retailers, law enforcement personnel, and students with knowledge and resources, GROC aims to build a resilient frontline against organized retail crime.Retail's Most Wanted is presented by LVT and the Attorney General Alliance.