Home Depot Inc. executives claim organized criminals fueled by the opioid epidemic are stealing millions of dollars worth of goods from retailers and storing them in warehouses. The thefts, referred to as 'shrink' by retailers, has become so pervasive that it will effectively narrow the company's operating profits next year. We think this ties to the opioid crisis, but we’re not positive about that'The White House took a public stance on the opioid epidemic when President Donald Trump declared it a public health emergency in October 2017. NRF clarifies that while robbery makes up the largest financial loss per incident, the act is comparatively low against shoplifting and organized retail crime. 'Organized retail crime continues to present a serious challenge to the retail industry,' Bob Moraca, NRF's vice president of loss prevention, told the Los Angeles Times.

Source: Daily Mail December 12, 2019 01:00 UTC