The circle of life. Stores fail for complex reasons → retailer quietly posts accurate analysis of its own mistakes → retailer loudly posts press release blaming shoplifters and gangs → media likes …
Let me save you two clicks: in 2021, some dude made some unsubstantiated claim in Congress that organized retail theft account for 45 billion in losses. The retail trade group in question picked up this number and ran with it without ever validating the underlying claim. The guy and or his company that made the underlying claim isn't returning calls or requests for comment.