Story perspectives

Surge in Retail Theft Sparks Calls for Federal Action

12/17/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Retail theft, especially of American Eagle jeans, has surged, prompting calls for federal intervention.
Scott McBride, American Eagle's security chief, testified that organized crime groups steal jeans and resell them globally, with incidents linked to thefts from 35 stores across multiple states.
The National Retail Federation reported a 93% increase in shoplifting in 2023 vs 2019, and the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act would empower federal enforcement.

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Story summary

Retail theft, especially of American Eagle jeans, has surged, prompting calls for federal intervention.
Scott McBride, American Eagle's security chief, testified that organized crime groups steal jeans and resell them globally, with incidents linked to thefts from 35 stores across multiple states.
The National Retail Federation reported a 93% increase in shoplifting in 2023 vs 2019, and the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act would empower federal enforcement.