Surging Shoplifting Concerns This Black Friday
A former NYPD detective has characterized Black Friday as the “Super Bowl” of shoplifting, indicating that the threat of theft has transformed retail robbery into a “multibillion-dollar business.”
A recent report from the National Retail Federation highlights that retail theft is projected to soar by 93% in 2023 compared to 2019, with losses from shoplifting anticipated to rise by 90%. The organization forecasts that around 186.9 million Americans are expected to shop between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday.
Patrick Brosnan, the former NYPD detective, mentioned that organized retail theft has shifted away from being mere “petty shoplifting,” calling it a completely different kind of operation.
Brosnan emphasized that organized retail theft is now a “very lucrative business” that’s expanding more rapidly than law enforcement can keep pace with.
“In 2025, organized retail crime isn’t just about teens taking T-shirts,” Brosnan stated. “These are professional thieves who work across states and sell goods through connected online marketplaces. It’s become a sophisticated, highly profitable, multibillion-dollar enterprise.”
Across the United States, law enforcement agencies often ramp up patrols on Black Friday to help deter theft. Cities like Nashville and San Francisco are examples of places where this heightened presence is implemented.
To illustrate the environment on Black Friday, Brosnan likened it to one of the nation’s biggest sporting events, with throngs of individuals lined up at stores.
“Black Friday is their Super Bowl,” he explained. “The stores are packed, making it very easy to blend in. And, typically, the most sought-after items are snatched up quickly. With staff feeling nervous and heavy foot traffic, escape routes become much harder to identify.” He noted the significant challenges law enforcement faces during this busy shopping day.
Brosnan, who established Brosnan Risk Consultants and provides advice to major retailers, has recommended that shoppers lock up high-value items like electronics and designer goods. He also suggested that stores consider securing tools in locked displays.
The former detective voiced concerns over the situation, stating that while retailers are doing their best to combat theft, the issue is severe and likely to worsen. “If you want to conduct business, you need customers. But when bad actors mix with good ones, there’s only so much you can do,” he mentioned. “Shoplifters come in organized, focused, and are very familiar with what they’re after and how to get it.”
