Marc Levin

States are strengthening laws and law enforcement efforts to combat organized retail crime, including gift card fraud and cargo theft. Over a dozen states passed legislation this year to create new offenses, increase penalties, and establish task forces. The Los Angeles Police Department recently seized $1 million in stolen merchandise linked to an e-commerce resale scheme.

States are enacting new laws to combat organized retail crime, including gift card fraud and cargo theft, with over a dozen states creating criminal offenses and specialized task forces this year. Authorities have reported seizures of stolen goods worth millions and noted rising shoplifting rates in 2026 compared to 2025.

States are expanding efforts to combat organized retail crime through new legislation, harsher penalties, and specialized task forces. The crimes include cargo theft, gift card fraud, and sophisticated schemes like hijacking freight shipments. Recent seizures, such as $1 million in stolen merchandise in Los Angeles, highlight the growing scale of these operations.