Shoplifting Statistics (2024): Retail Theft Data by State (2024)

Last updated: April 9, 2024

Highlights. Stores lost $121.6 billion to retail theft in 2023; projections indicate shoplifting could cost retailers over $150 billion in 2026.

• Retailers lost $112.1 billionin gross revenue and $84.9 billionin fraudulent sales returns in 2022.
• In 2022, shoplifting losses grew 19.4% year-over-year; as a share of retail sales dollars, losses to theft increased 10.5%.
• 58% of organized retail crime is cargo theft.
• The average shoplifting incident cost retailers $461.86 in 2020.
• Stores catch shoplifters roughly 2.0% of the time; the average shoplifter is arrested once out of every 100 incidents.

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Retail Theft Loss Statistics

Retailers lost a greater share of potential revenue to retail theft in 2020 than in any other year. Experts attribute some of the increased value of retail theft to currency inflation.

• Retailers lost $93.9 billion in gross revenue to theft in 2021, up 3.41% year-over-year (YoY).
• At 37%, external theft (i.e., shoplifting) represents the largest share of losses from retail theft.
• 9.09% of Americans shoplift; juveniles aged 12-16 are most likely to shoplift (1-in-4).
• 74.1% of retailers report increases in external theft over 5 years (2016 – 2021).
• 28.5% of retail theft is internal or employee theft.
• 56.9% of retailers report increased internal theft over 5 years.
• 25.7% of retail theft results from process and control failures.
• 8.9% of theft losses are due to other or unknown causes.
• From 2019 to 2020, the dollar value of retail theft losses increased 47.2%.
• The dollar amount loss per shoplifting incident increased 71.2% YoY.

Organized Retail Crime Statistics

Statistics indicate that organized retail crime may be trending upward, with incidents having increased by as much as 26.5% between 2020 and 2021.

• Retailers lost up to $0.72 of every $1,000 to organized retail crime in 2020, up 2.31% YoY.
• 40% of organized retail crime happens at the distribution center.
• 45% of organized retail crime happens en route from the distribution center to the store.
• 38% of organized retail crime is in-store theft.
• 35% of organized retail crime happens en route from one store to another.
• 70.7% of retailers report an increase in organized retail crime incidents over 5 years.

Return Fraud Statistics

Return fraud is not included in theft statistics; additional crimes not counted as retail theft include gift card fraud, payment fraud, robbery, and burglary.

• States lost a total of $4.743 billion in taxes to retail return fraud in 2022.
• 37.9% of retailers report increased incidents of return fraud over 5 years.
• Return fraud represents about 10.4% of retail merchandise returns.
• 10.3% of in-store returns are fraudulent.
• Return fraud represents 10.7% of online sales.
• 10.1% of holiday returns are fraudulent.

Retail Theft by State

While retailers lose revenue from theft, states also miss out on retail sales tax dollars from stolen merchandise.

• States lost $4.345 billion in tax dollars due to retail theft in 2022.
• The average state’s felony threshold for theft is $1,180.
• Hawaii retailers lost the most potential revenue per capita ($2,303.80).
• North Carolina lost the least potential revenue per capita to theft ($215.74).
• Colorado lost the lowest rate of state retail sales tax at $7.37 per capita.

*Tied
**3-way tie

Alabama Retail Theft Statistics

Retailers in Alabama lost $1.202 billion in revenue to theft in 2022.

• Alabama retailers lost $303.43 in sales per capita in 2022.
• Retail theft per capita in Alabama is 11.8% lower than the average among states.
• Theft of $1,500 or more is a felony in Alabama.
• Return fraud cost Alabama retailers an estimated $1.306 billion in sales revenue, bringing total losses as high as $2.508 billion.
• The State of Alabama lost out on $48.1 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
• Alabama lost $52.2 million to return fraud, bringing the total of lost state tax dollars to over $100 million.

Alaska Retail Theft Statistics

Retailers in Alaska lost $202 million in revenue to theft in 2022.

• Alaska retailers lost $363.27 in sales per capita in 2022.
• Retail theft per capita in Alaska is 5.56% above the national average.
• Theft of $1,000 or more is a felony in Alaska.
• Return fraud cost Alaska retailers an estimated $220 million in sales revenue, bringing total losses as high as $422 million.
• The State of Alaska does not collect retail sales tax.

Arizona Retail Theft Statistics

Retailers in Arizona lost an estimated $1.500 billion in revenue to theft in 2022.

• Arizona retailers lost $260.01 in sales per capita in 2022.
• Retail theft per capita in Arizona is 24.4% lower than the average among states.
• Theft of $1,000 or more is a felony in Arizona.
• Return fraud cost Arizona retailers an estimated $1.629 billion in sales revenue, bringing total losses as high as $3.130 billion.
• The State of Arizona lost out on $84.0 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
• Arizona sales tax dollars lost to fraud totaled $91.2 million, bringing the total of lost state tax dollars to over $175 million.

Arkansas Retail Theft Statistics

Retailers in Arkansas lost $775.5 million in revenue to theft in 2022.

• Arkansas retailers lost $330.21 in sales per capita in 2022.
• Retail theft per capita in Arkansas is 4.04% lower than the average among states.
• Theft of $1,000 or more is a felony in Arkansas.
• Return fraud cost Arkansas retailers an estimated $842 million in sales revenue, bringing total losses as high as $1.618 billion.
• The State of Arkansas lost out on $50.4 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
• Arkansas sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $54.7 million, bringing the total of lost state tax dollars to $105 million.

California Retail Theft Statistics

Retailers in California lost $8.720 billion in revenue to theft in 2022.

• California retailers lost $285.70 in sales per capita in 2022.
• Retail theft per capita in California is 17.0% lower than the average among states.
• Theft of $950 or more is a felony in California.
• Return fraud cost California retailers an estimated $9.471 billion in sales revenue, bringing total lost sales dollars up to $18.2 billion.
• The State of California lost out on $568 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
• California sales tax dollars lost to fraud totaled $687 million, bringing the total of lost state sales tax dollars to $1.319 billion.

Colorado Retail Theft Statistics

Retailers in Colorado lost $1.289 billion in revenue to theft in 2022.

• Colorado retailers lost $278.75 in sales per capita in 2022.
• Retail theft per capita in Colorado is 19.0% lower than the average among states.
• Theft of $2,000 or more is a felony in Colorado.
• Return fraud cost Colorado retailers an estimated $1.400 billion in sales revenue, bringing total losses as high as $2.689 billion.
• The State of Colorado lost out on $37.4 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
• Colorado sales tax dollars lost to fraud total $40.6 million, bringing the total of lost sales tax dollars to $78.0 million.

Connecticut Retail Theft Statistics

Retailers in Connecticut lost $895 million in revenue to theft in 2022.

• Connecticut retailers lost $309.17 in sales per capita in 2022.
• Retail theft per capita in Connecticut is 10.2% lower than the average among states.
• Theft of $2,000 or more is a felony in Connecticut.
• Return fraud cost Connecticut retailers an estimated $972 million in sales revenue, bringing total retail losses as high as $1.867 billion.
• The State of Connecticut lost out on $56.8 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
• Connecticut sales tax dollars lost to fraud total $61.7 million, bringing the total of lost sales tax dollars to $119 million.

Delaware Retail Theft Statistics

Retailers in Delaware lost $262 million in revenue to theft in 2022.

• Delaware retailers lost $323.84 in sales per capita in 2022.
• Retail theft per capita in Delaware is 5.89% lower than the average among states.
• Theft of $1,500 or more is a felony in Delaware.
• Return fraud cost Delaware retailers an estimated $285 million in sales revenue, bringing total retail losses as high as $547 million.
• The State of Delaware does not collect retail sales tax dollars.

District of Columbia Retail Theft Statistics

Retailers in D.C. lost $120 million in revenue to theft in 2022.

• D.C. retailers lost $219.69 in sales per capita in 2022.
• Retail theft per capita in D.C. is 36.2% less than the average among states.
• Theft of $1,000 or more is a felony in D.C.
• Return fraud cost D.C. retailers an estimated $131 million in sales revenue.
• The District of Columbia lost out on $7.21 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
• D.C. sales tax dollars lost to fraud total $7.84 million, bringing the total retail sales tax dollars lost as high as $15.0 million.

Florida Retail Theft Statistics

Retailers in Florida lost $5.421 billion in revenue to theft in 2022.

• Florida retailers lost $302.05 in sales per capita in 2022.
• Retail theft per capita in Florida is 12.2% lower than the average among states.
• Theft of $750 or more is a felony in Florida.
• Return fraud cost Florida retailers an estimated $5.888 billion in sales revenue, making total lost retail sales dollars as high as $11.3 billion.
• The State of Florida lost out on $325 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
• Florida sales tax dollars lost to fraud totaled $353 million, making total lost state sales tax as high as $679 million.

Georgia Retail Theft Statistics

Retailers in Georgia lost $2.356 billion in revenue to theft in 2022.

• Georgia retailers lost $280.36 in sales per capita in 2022.
• Retail theft per capita in Georgia is 18.5% lower than the average among states.
• Theft of $1,500 or more is a felony in Georgia.
• Return fraud cost Georgia retailers an estimated $2.559 billion in sales revenue, making total retail sales losses as high as $4.91 billion.
• The State of Georgia lost out on $94.2 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
• Georgia sales tax dollars lost to return fraud $102 million, bringing total lost sales tax dollars to $197 million.

Hawaii Retail Theft Statistics

Retailers in Hawaii lost $2.633 billion in revenue to theft in 2022. Note that Hawaii’s tourism trade influences the state’s inflated numbers.

• Hawaii retailers lost $2,373.80 in sales per capita in 2022.
• Retail theft per capita in Hawaii is 569% higher than the average among states.
• Theft of $750 or more is a felony in Hawaii.
• Return fraud cost Hawaii retailers an estimated $2.860 billion in sales revenue, bringing total lost retail sales up to $5.493 billion.
• The State of Hawaii lost out on $105 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
• Hawaii sales tax dollars lost to return fraud total $114 million, bringing lost state sales tax dollars to $220 million.

Idaho Retail Theft Statistics

Retailers in Idaho lost $407 million in revenue to theft in 2022.

• Idaho retailers lost $275.53 in sales per capita in 2022.
• Retail theft per capita in Idaho is 19.9% lower than the average among states.
• Theft of $1,000 or more is a felony in Idaho.
• Return fraud cost Idaho retailers an estimated $442 million in sales revenue, bringing total retail sales losses up to $848 million.
• The State of Idaho lost out on $24.4 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
• Idaho sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totals $26.5 million, bringing lost state sales tax dollars to $50.9 million.

Illinois Retail Theft Statistics

Retailers in Illinois lost $2.968 billion in revenue to theft in 2022.

• Illinois retailers lost $300.94 in sales per capita in 2022.
• Retail theft per capita in Illinois is 12.5% lower than the average among states.
• Theft of $500 or more is a felony in Illinois.
• Return fraud cost Illinois retailers an estimated $3.223 billion in sales revenue, bringing total retail sales losses up to $6.191 billion.
• The State of Illinois lost out on $185 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
• Illinois sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $201 million, bringing total lost sales tax dollars up to $387 million.

Indiana Retail Theft Statistics

Retailers in Indiana lost $1.517 billion in revenue to theft in 2022.

• Indiana retailers lost $288.31 in sales per capita in 2022.
• Retail theft per capita in Indiana is 16.2% lower than the average among states.
• Theft of $750 or more is a felony in Indiana.
• Return fraud cost Indiana retailers an estimated $1.648 billion in sales revenue, bringing total retail sales losses up to $3.165 billion.
• The State of Indiana lost out on $106 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
• Indiana sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $115 million, bringing total lost sales tax up to $222 million.

Iowa Retail Theft Statistics

Retailers in Iowa lost $763 million in revenue to theft in 2022.

• Iowa retailers lost $308.28 in sales per capita in 2022.
• Retail theft per capita in Iowa is 10.4% lower than the average among states.
• Theft of $1,500 or more is a felony in Iowa.
• Return fraud cost Iowa retailers an estimated $829 million in sales revenue, bringing total retail sales losses up to $1.592 billion.
• The State of Iowa lost out on $45.8 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
• Iowa sales tax dollars lost to return fraud total $49.7, bringing the total lost sales tax up to $95.5 million.

Kansas Retail Theft Statistics

Retailers in Kansas lost $616 million in revenue to theft in 2022.

• Kansas retailers lost $274.24 in sales per capita in 2022.
• Retail theft per capita in Kansas is 20.3% lower than the average among states.
• Theft of $1,500 or more is a felony in Kansas.
• Return fraud cost Kansas retailers an estimated $669 million in sales revenue, bringing total retail sales losses up to $1.285 billion.
• The State of Kansas lost out on $40.0 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
• Kansas sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $43.5 million, bringing the total lost sales tax up to $83.5 million.

Kentucky Retail Theft Statistics

Retailers in Kentucky lost $990 million in revenue to theft in 2022.

• Kentucky retailers lost $282.18 in sales per capita in 2022.
• Retail theft per capita in Kentucky is 18.0% lower than the average among states.
• Theft of $1,000 or more is a felony in Kentucky.
• Return fraud cost Kentucky retailers an estimated $1.075 billion in sales revenue, bringing total lost retail sales to $2.065 billion.
• The State of Kentucky lost out on $59.4 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
• Kentucky sales tax dollars lost to fraud totaled $64.5 billion, bringing the total lost sales tax up to $124 million.

Louisiana Retail Theft Statistics

Retailers in Louisiana lost $1.058 million in revenue to theft in 2022.

• Louisiana retailers lost $299.94 in sales per capita in 2022.
• Retail theft per capita in Louisiana is 12.8% lower than the average among states.
• Theft of $1,000 or more is a felony in Louisiana.
• Return fraud cost Louisiana retailers an estimated $1.149 billion in sales revenue, bringing lost sales revenue up to $2.208 billion.
• The State of Louisiana lost out on $47.1 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
• Louisiana sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $51.2 million, bringing the total lost sales tax up to $98.2 million.

Maine Retail Theft Statistics

Retailers in Maine lost $373 million in revenue to theft in 2022.

• Maine retailers lost $327.94 in sales per capita in 2022.
• Retail theft per capita in Maine is 4.70% lower than the average among states.
• Theft of $1,000 or more is a felony in Maine.
• Return fraud cost Maine retailers an estimated $405 million in sales revenue, bringing lost sales revenue up to $778 million.
• The State of Maine lost out on $20.5 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
• Maine sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $22.3 million, bringing the total lost sales tax up to $42.8 million.

Maryland Retail Theft Statistics

Retailers in Maryland lost $1.403 billion in revenue to theft in 2022.

• Maryland retailers lost $291.21 in sales per capita in 2022.
• Retail theft per capita in Maryland is 15.4% lower than the average among states.
• Theft of $1,500 or more is a felony in Maryland.
• Return fraud cost Maryland retailers an estimated $1.524 billion in sales revenue, bringing the total retail sales loss to $2.927 billion.
• The State of Maryland lost out on $84.2 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
• Maryland sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $91.4 million, bringing the total lost sales tax up to $176 million.

Massachusetts Retail Theft Statistics

Retailers in Massachusetts lost $1.656 billion in revenue to theft in 2022.

• Massachusetts retailers lost $293.43 in sales per capita in 2022.
• Retail theft per capita in Massachusetts is 14.7% lower than the average among states.
• Theft of $1,200 or more is a felony in Massachusetts.
• Return fraud cost Massachusetts retailers an estimated $1.790 billion in sales revenue, bringing the total lost retail sales to $3.446 billion.
• The State of Massachusetts lost out on $103.5 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
• Massachusetts sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $112 million, bringing the total lost sales tax to $216 million.

Michigan Retail Theft Statistics

Retailers in Michigan lost $2.298 billion in revenue to theft in 2022.

• Michigan retailers lost $289.97 in sales per capita in 2022.
• Retail theft per capita in Michigan is 15.7% lower than the average among states.
• Theft of $1,000 or more is a felony in Michigan.
• Return fraud cost Michigan retailers an estimated $2.496 billion in sales revenue, bringing the total lost retail sales to $4.793 billion.
• The State of Michigan lost out on $138 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
• Michigan sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $150 million, bringing the total lost sales tax to $288 million.

Minnesota Retail Theft Statistics

Retailers in Minnesota lost $1.453 billion in revenue to theft in 2022.

• Minnesota retailers lost $328.61 in sales per capita in 2022.
• Retail theft per capita in Minnesota is 4.51% lower than the average among states.
• Theft of $1,000 or more is a felony in Minnesota.
• Return fraud cost Minnesota retailers an estimated $1.579 billion in sales revenue, bringing the lost retail sales total to $3.032 billion.
• The State of Minnesota lost out on $100 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
• Minnesota sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $109 million, bringing the total lost sales tax to $209 million.

Mississippi Retail Theft Statistics

Retailers in Mississippi lost $775 million in revenue to theft in 2022.

• Mississippi retailers lost $342.48 in sales per capita in 2022.
• Retail theft per capita in Mississippi is 0.48% lower than the average among states.
• Theft of $1,000 or more is a felony in Mississippi.
• Return fraud cost Mississippi retailers an estimated $841 million in sales revenue, bringing the total lost retail sales to $1.616 billion.
• The State of Mississippi lost out on $54.2 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
• Mississippi sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $58.9 million, bringing the total lost sales tax to $113 million.

Missouri Retail Theft Statistics

Retailers in Missouri lost $1.602 billion in revenue to theft in 2022.

• Missouri retailers lost $332.92 in sales per capita in 2022.
• Retail theft per capita in Missouri is 3.26% lower than the average among states.
• Theft of $750 or more is a felony in Missouri.
• Return fraud cost Missouri retailers an estimated $1.740 billion in sales revenue, bringing the total lost retail sales up to $3.343 billion.
• The State of Missouri lost out on $67.8 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
• Missouri sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $73.5 million, bringing the total lost sales tax to $141 million.

Montana Retail Theft Statistics

Retailers in Montana lost $298 million in revenue to theft in 2022.

• Montana retailers lost $334.73 in sales per capita in 2022.
• Retail theft per capita in Montana is 2.73% lower than the average among states.
• Theft of $1,500 or more is a felony in Montana.
• Return fraud cost Montana retailers an estimated $323 million in sales revenue, bringing lost retail sales up to $621 million.
• The State of Montana does not collect retail sales tax.

Nebraska Retail Theft Statistics

Retailers in Nebraska lost $506 million in revenue to theft in 2022.

• Nebraska retailers lost $339.40 in sales per capita in 2022.
• Retail theft per capita in Nebraska is 1.37% lower than the average among states.
• Theft of $1,500 or more is a felony in Nebraska.
• Return fraud cost Nebraska retailers an estimated $550 million in sales revenue, bringing the lost retail sales total up to $1.056 billion.
• The State of Nebraska lost out on $27.8 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
• Nebraska sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $30.2 million, bringing the total lost sales tax to $58.1 million.

Nevada Retail Theft Statistics

Retailers in Nevada lost $847 million in revenue to theft in 2022.

• Nevada retailers lost $340.28 in sales per capita in 2022.
• Retail theft per capita in Nevada is 1.12% lower than the average among states.
• Theft of $1,200 or more is a felony in Nevada.
• Return fraud cost Nevada retailers an estimated $919 million in sales revenue, bringing total lost sales revenue up to $1.766 billion.
• The State of Nevada lost out on $58.0 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
• Nevada sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $63.0 million, bringing the total lost sales tax to $121 million.

New Hampshire Retail Theft Statistics

Retailers in New Hampshire lost $463 million in revenue to theft in 2022.

• New Hampshire retailers lost $405.51 in sales per capita in 2022.
• Retail theft per capita in New Hampshire is 17.8% higher than the average among states.
• Theft of $1,000 or more is a felony in New Hampshire.
• Return fraud cost New Hampshire retailers an estimated $503 million in sales revenue, bringing the total lost retail sales up to $966 million.
• The State of New Hampshire does not collect retail sales tax.

New Jersey Retail Theft Statistics

Retailers in New Jersey lost $2.313 billion in revenue to theft in 2022.

• New Jersey retailers lost $318.22 in sales per capita in 2022.
• Retail theft per capita in New Jersey is7.53% lower than the average among states.
• Theft of $200 or more is a felony in New Jersey.
• Return fraud cost New Jersey retailers an estimated $2.512 billion in sales revenue, bringing total retail revenue losses to $5.824 billion.
• The State of New Jersey lost out on $155 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
• New Jersey sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $166 million, bringing the total lost sales tax up to $320 million.

New Mexico Retail Theft Statistics

Retailers in New Mexico lost $513 million in revenue to theft in 2022.

• New Mexico retailers lost $309.92 in sales per capita in 2022.
• Retail theft per capita in New Mexico is 9.94% lower than the average among states.
• Theft of $500 or more is a felony in New Mexico.
• Return fraud cost New Mexico retailers an estimated $557 million in sales revenue, bringing total retail sales losses to $1.069 billion.
• The State of New Mexico lost out on $26.2 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
• New Mexico sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $28.5 million, bringing the total lost sales tax up to $53.8 million.

New York Retail Theft Statistics

Retailers in New York lost $4.404 billion in revenue to theft in 2022.

• New York retailers lost $280.72 in sales per capita in 2022.
• Retail theft per capita in New York is 18.4% lower than the average among states.
• Theft of $1,000 or more is a felony in New York.
• Return fraud cost New York retailers an estimated $4.783 billion in sales revenue, bringing total lost sales revenue to $9.187 billion.
• The State of New York lost out on $176 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
• New York sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $191 million, bringing the total lost sales tax up to $367 million.

North Carolina Retail Theft Statistics

Retailers in North Carolina lost $1.813 billion in revenue to theft in 2022.

• North Carolina retailers lost $215.74 in sales per capita in 2022.
• Retail theft per capita in North Carolina is 37.3% lower than the average among states.
• Theft of $1,000 or more is a felony in North Carolina.
• Return fraud cost North Carolina retailers an estimated $2.484 billion in sales revenue, bringing total lost sales revenue to $4.297 billion.
• The State of North Carolina lost out on $86.1 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
• North Carolina sales tax dollars lost to return fraid totaled $118 million, bringing the total lost sales tax up to $204 million.

North Dakota Retail Theft Statistics

Retailers in North Dakota lost $220 million in revenue to theft in 2022.

• North Dakota retailers lost $368.67 in sales per capita in 2022.
• Retail theft per capita in North Dakota is 7.13% higher than the average among states.
• Theft of $1,000 or more is a felony in North Dakota.
• Return fraud cost North Dakota retailers an estimated $239 million in sales revenue, bringing total retail losses up to $459 million.
• The State of North Dakota lost out on $11.0 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
• North Dakota sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $11.9 million, bringing the total lost sales tax up to $22.9 million.

Ohio Retail Theft Statistics

Retailers in Ohio lost $2.527 billion in revenue to theft in 2022.

• Ohio retailers lost $274.88 in sales per capita in 2022.
• Retail theft per capita in Ohio is 20.1% lower than the average among states.
• Theft of $1,000 or more is a felony in Ohio.
• Return fraud cost Ohio retailers an estimated $2.745 billion in sales revenue, bringing total retail sales losses up to $5.272 billion.
• The State of Ohio lost out on $145 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
• Ohio sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $158 million, bringing the lost sales tax to $303 million.

Oklahoma Retail Theft Statistics

Retailers in Oklahoma lost $848 million in revenue to theft in 2022.

• Oklahoma retailers lost $276.42 in sales per capita in 2022.
• Retail theft per capita in Oklahoma is 19.7% lower than the average among states.
• Theft of $1,000 or more is a felony in Oklahoma.
• Return fraud cost Oklahoma retailers an estimated $921 million in sales revenue, bringing retail sales losses up to $1.768 billion.
• The State of Oklahoma lost out on $38.1 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
• Oklahoma sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $41.4 million, bringing the lost sales tax to $79.6 million.

Oregon Retail Theft Statistics

Retailers in Oregon lost $956 million in revenue to theft in 2022.

• Oregon retailers lost $280.84 in sales per capita in 2022.
• Retail theft per capita in Oregon is 18.4% lower than the average among states.
• Theft of $1,000 or more is a felony in Oregon.
• Return fraud cost Oregon retailers an estimated $1.038 billion in sales revenue, bringing retail losses up to $1.994 billion.
• The State of Oregon does not collect retail sales tax.

Pennsylvania Retail Theft Statistics

Retailers in Pennsylvania lost $2.937 billion in revenue to theft in 2022.

• Pennsylvania retailers lost $283.84 in sales per capita in 2022.
• Retail theft per capita in Pennsylvania is 17.5% lower than the average among states.
• Theft of $2,000 or more is a felony in Pennsylvania.
• Return fraud cost Pennsylvania retailers an estimated $3.190 billion in sales revenue, bringing retail sales losses to $6.127 billion.
• The State of Pennsylvania lost out on $176 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
• Pennsylvania sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $191 million, bringing lost sales tax to $368 million.

Rhode Island Retail Theft Statistics

Retailers in Rhode Island lost $244 million in revenue to theft in 2022.

• Rhode Island retailers lost $274.68 in sales per capita in 2022.
• Retail theft per capita in Rhode Island is 20.2% lower than the average among states.
• Theft of $1,500 or more is a felony in Rhode Island.
• Return fraud cost Rhode Island retailers an estimated $265 million in sales revenue, bringing retail sales losses to $510 million.
• The State of Rhode Island lost out on $17.1 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
• Rhode Island sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $18.6 million, bringing the total lost sales tax to $35.7 million.

South Carolina Retail Theft Statistics

Retailers in South Carolina lost $1.126 billion in revenue to theft in 2022.

• South Carolina retailers lost $270.45 in sales per capita in 2022.
• Retail theft per capita in South Carolina is 21.4% lower than the average among states.
• Theft of $2,000 or more is a felony in South Carolina.
• Return fraud cost South Carolina retailers an estimated $1.223 billion in sales revenue, bringing retail sales losses to $2.350 billion.
• The State of South Carolina lost out on $67.6 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
• South Carolina sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $73.4 million, bringing the total lost sales tax to $141 million.

South Dakota Retail Theft Statistics

Retailers in South Dakota lost $263 million in revenue to theft in 2022.

• South Dakota retailers lost $380.97 in sales per capita in 2022.
• Retail theft per capita in South Dakota is 27.8% higher than the average among states.
• Theft of $1,000 or more is a felony in South Dakota.
• Return fraud cost South Dakota retailers an estimated $286 million in sales revenue, bringing retail sales losses up to $549 million.
• The State of South Dakota lost out on $11.8 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
• South Dakota sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $12.9 million, bringing the total lost sales tax to $24.7 million.

Tennessee Retail Theft Statistics

Retailers in Tennessee lost $1.674 billion in revenue to theft in 2022.

• Tennessee retailers lost $303.66 in sales per capita in 2022.
• Retail theft per capita in Tennessee is 11.8% lower than the average among states.
• Theft of $1,000 or more is a felony in Tennessee.
• Return fraud cost Tennessee retailers an estimated $1.818 billion in sales revenue, bringing retail sales losses to $3.492.
• The State of Tennessee lost out on $117 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
• Tennessee sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $127 million, bringing the total lost sales tax to $244 million.

Texas Retail Theft Statistics

Retailers in Texas lost $5.949 billion in revenue to theft in 2022.

• Texas retailers lost $263.55 in sales per capita in 2022.
• Retail theft per capita in Texas is 23.4% lower than the average among states.
• Theft of $2,500 or more is a felony in Texas.
• Return fraud cost Texas retailers an estimated $6.461 billion in sales revenue, bringing total retail sales losses to $12.4 billion.
• The State of Texas lost out on $372 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
• Texas sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $404 million, bringing the total lost sales tax to $776 million.

Utah Retail Theft Statistics

Retailers in Utah lost $654 million in revenue to theft in 2022.

• Utah retailers lost $266.94 in sales per capita in 2022.
• Retail theft per capita in Utah is 22.4% lower than the average among states.
• Theft of $1,500 or more is a felony in Utah.
• Return fraud cost Utah retailers an estimated $710 million in sales revenue, bringing retail sales losses to $1.364 billion.
• The State of Utah lost out on $31.7 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
• Utah sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $34.4 million, bringing the total lost sales tax to $66.1 million.

Vermont Retail Theft Statistics

Retailers in Vermont lost $204 million in revenue to theft in 2022.

• Vermont retailers lost $383.39 in sales per capita in 2022.
• Retail theft per capita in Vermont is 11.4% higher than the average among states.
• Theft of $900 or more is a felony in Vermont.
• Return fraud cost Vermont retailers an estimated $222 million in sales revenue, bringing retail sales losses to $426 million.
• The State of Vermont lost out on $12.2 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
• Vermont sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $13.3 million, bringing the total lost sales tax to $25.5 million.

Virginia Retail Theft Statistics

Retailers in Virginia lost $1.997 billion in revenue to theft in 2022.

• Virginia retailers lost $293.09 in sales per capita in 2022.
• Retail theft per capita in Virginia is 14.8% lower than the average among states.
• Theft of $1,000 or more is a felony in Virginia.
• Return fraud cost Virginia retailers an estimated $2.170 billion in sales revenue, bringing retail losses up to $4.168 billion.
• The State of Virginia lost out on $85.9 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
• Virginia sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $93.3 million, bringing the total lost sales tax to $179 million.

Washington Retail Theft Statistics

Retailers in Washington lost $1.685 billion in revenue to theft in 2022.

• Washington retailers lost $274.43 in sales per capita in 2022.
• Retail theft per capita in Washington is 20.3% lower than the average among states.
• Theft of $750 or more is a felony in Washington.
• Return fraud cost Washington retailers an estimated $1.830 billion in sales revenue, bringing retail losses to $3.515 billion.
• The State of Washington lost out on $109.5 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
• Washington sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $119 million, bringing the total lost sales tax to $228 million.

West Virginia Retail Theft Statistics

Retailers in West Virginia lost $433 million in revenue to theft in 2022.

• West Virginia retailers lost $304.14 in sales per capita in 2022.
• Retail theft per capita in West Virginia is 11.6% lower than the average among states.
• Theft of $1,000 or more is a felony in West Virginia.
• Return fraud cost West Virginia retailers an estimated $470 million in sales revenue, bringing retail losses to $903 million.
• The State of West Virginia lost out on $26.0 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
• West Virginia sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $28.2 million, bringing the total lost sales tax to $54.2 million.

Wisconsin Retail Theft Statistics

Retailers in Wisconsin lost $1.422 billion in revenue to theft in 2022.

• Wisconsin retailers lost $305.98 in sales per capita in 2022.
• Retail theft per capita in Wisconsin is 11.1% lower than the average among states.
• Theft of $2,500 or more is a felony in Wisconsin.
• Return fraud cost Wisconsin retailers an estimated $1.544 billion in sales revenue, bringing lost retail sales up to $2.966 billion.
• The State of Wisconsin lost out on $71.1 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
• Wisconsin sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $77.2 million, bringing the total lost sales tax to $148 million.

Wyoming Retail Theft Statistics

Retailers in Wyoming lost $182 million in revenue to theft in 2022.

• Wyoming retailers lost $403.64 in sales per capita in 2022.
• Retail theft per capita in Wyoming is 17.3% more than the average among states.
• Theft of $1,000 or more is a felony in Wyoming.
• Return fraud cost Wyoming retailers an estimated $198 million in sales revenue, bringing lost retail sales to $380 million.
• The State of Wyoming lost out on $7.29 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft.
• Wyoming sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $7.91 million, bringing the total lost sales tax to $15.2 million.

These data and insights were compiled by the Capital One Shopping team based on publicly available data.

Sources

1. National Retail Federation
2. U.S. Census Bureau
3. Campaign Zero, Raise the Threshold
4. Statista, Retail & Trade
5. National Association for Shoplifting Prevention, The Shoplifting Problem

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