Nebraska retailers work to combat organized theft

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — In recent years, theft has increased all over the nation, and states are working to limit the damage for store owners.

This can be seen through the items placed in locked shelves.

“We want customers to be patient and realize there’s a reason these are locked up,” said Rich Otto, director of the Nebraska Retail Federation. “And if they weren’t, they wouldn’t even be available in our stores.”

Nebraska is one of the states that has seen an increase in theft, which is a $100 million problem for Nebraska businesses annually.

The federation and Midwest Organized Retail Crime Association work with law enforcement to track down and prosecute those involved in organized theft.

They target criminals who have strategic ways of stealing high-ticket items, often reselling them for a profit. Organized theft also usually involves multiple people.

Another reason that this form of crime is so dangerous is that it typically involves other illegal activities.

“Usually when cases are solved, they see organized retail crimes are tied with human trafficking, drugs and other criminal activities,” said Ott0. “This is just one more money-raising avenue that the criminals use.”

There are ways you can be cautious of organized crime resellers in your day-to-day life.

“If you’re buying something off of Facebook Marketplace, and it’s less than the price in the store, and it’s in a brand-new box, it’s most likely stolen,” Otto said.