As if retailers didn’t have enough to worry about with the economy still not entirely recovered from the slump of the past two years, merchants and consumers are increasingly being victimized by organized retail crime groups. According to the fifth annual Organized Retail Crime survey conducted by the National Retail Federation (NRF), nine out of 10 merchants (92%) were victims of organized retail crime during the past year, up 8% from the previous year. Nearly three-fourths (73%) of retailers also reported the level of organized retail crime activity has increased over the past 12 months, an increase of 11% from 2008.

What’s more, the survey indicates, organized retail crime is not only an isolated problem in a handful of areas across the country. A staggering 72% of retailers who participated in the survey said they have identified organized retail crime syndicates who are exporting goods outside of the U.S. or across state lines. Additionally, 28% found that criminal groups under current investigation have connections to street gangs with international connections. And even with the economy forcing retailers to cut staff and do more with less, 42% of merchants responding to the NRF’s queries reported that they have been forced to allocate additional resources to address organized retail crime.

But it is not always outside crime a business owner has to worry about. Business owners can lose money everyday from employee theft. Having the right point of sale system can help curb this problem and more. pcAmerica offers point of sale software like Cash Register Express and Restaurant Pro Express that offers security features like secure employee login with passwords or security cards, exception tracking to spot suspicious activity and integrated video camera with a DVR system.

Given the rise in organized retail crime—not to mention ongoing “garden variety” and employee theft—now is a great time for retailers to take another look at their loss prevention technology. pcAmerica can provide information on how to get the ball rolling.