In Nassau County, Florida, the arrest of four women accused of committing numerous thefts at stores sheds light on the issue of organized retail theft.

The suspects’ car was found to contain allegedly stolen items, a fact revealed in bodycam footage as a Nassau County Sheriff’s Office deputy detailed the reasons for the women’s arrest.

The deputy addressed the women, stating, “Stealing the Stanley cups from Ace Hardware and then you all went to the Winn Dixie over here. We’re not dumb. We do this for a living and you’re all on video.”

The sheriff’s office said the women stole at least $5,000 worth of merchandise.

According to retail theft data, in 2022, retail thefts accounted for a $5.4 billion loss in revenues in Florida.

Across the United States, stores lost $121 billion to retail theft.

Retired JSO detective James Brown runs a private security company called JB Protection. He said that based on the number of Northeast Florida stores that have hired his services, retail theft continues to rise.

“Retailers or properties are at the point where they are fed up,” Brown said. “They try to do the right thing by calling law enforcement, but law enforcement’s hands are full. So, when we get the call, that’s what we’re seeing. Out of desperation, businesses are trying to do what they can to cut their losses.”

Companies attempt to cut losses by hiring private security or locking merchandise behind glass protectors.

Loretta Trentman, manager of Beau Outfitters in San Marco, said retail theft prevention is a matter she takes seriously.

“We do talk about it, and we train our employees on what to look for and how to handle certain situations,” Trentman said.

Brown said it’s common for groups or people to work together in a retail theft ring.

“On the street, they’re called boosters. They all go out and steal large amounts of items valued well more than thousands of dollars. And those groups are organized,” Brown said.

Trentman expressed sympathy for other businesses that have become a target for theft.

“It’s so unfortunate. We feel bad for those stores that have been affected,” Trentman said.