It Takes a Network to Defeat a network
Working Together to Combat Organized Retail Crime
Retail crime is evolving. So are the threats facing businesses, employees, and communities across British Columbia.
The Organized Retail Crime Association of British Columbia (ORCA BC) brings together public and private sector professionals to identify, deter, disrupt, and dismantle retail crime in all its forms.
Our focus goes beyond organized retail crime. We address the full spectrum of retail offenders—from fraudsters, repeat and prolific offenders to those who use violence and intimidation.
Through our three pillars of networking, education and solutions, ORCA BC connects people, intelligence, and resources that helps drive strategic collaboration, coordinated action, and practical solutions to the challenges facing retailers today.
Our goal is clear: safer businesses, safer employees, safer communities, and greater accountability.
Together, we’re taking action against retail crime across British Columbia.
How can we help you?
SOLUTIONS
NETWORK
DEVELOPMENT
EDUCATION
Educating the public on ORC and retail crime issues, to include victim and crime prevention, response, and awareness.
FORUMS
Our PARTNERS
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Organized Retail Crime (ORC)?
Organized Retail Crime (ORC) refers to the coordinated theft of merchandise with the intent of converting the stolen goods into financial gain. Unlike opportunistic shoplifting, ORC is typically carried out by organized criminal networks that plan and execute thefts across multiple retail locations. These groups often rely on established resale channels, commonly referred to as fencing operations from brick and mortar to online, to distribute and profit from the stolen merchandise. As a result, ORC is distinct from traditional shoplifting, which generally involves isolated thefts by individuals for personal use or immediate gain.
2. What is Retail Crime?
Retail crime is known as illegal acts that occur within a retail environment. These crimes are most commonly product theft, fraud, and violence.
3. What are the consequences of ORC?
ORC leads to significant financial losses for retailers, impacts shopper trust, and can have a substantial economic impact on both businesses and consumers.
4. How can businesses prevent ORC?
Businesses can protect themselves through retail security strategies, hiring high-quality retail security and loss prevention teams, and engaging in community efforts to reduce retail theft
5. Why is collaboration important for ORCAs?
Subjects and crimes are reduced when LP from retail business work together to share information and involve the police. Small incidents can grow quickly if the same subject is active in different retailers.
6. What Value is important to ORCA BC?
We believe our the 5Core PEACE value. Click here for more info.
7. What is an ORCA BC member and non-member?
ORCABC members have the benefits of joining our ORC network that include Law Enforcement and Loss Prevention Professionals, and stakeholders effected by ORC. Non-ORCABC members have the benefits of joining our webinars and newsletter.
8. How do I become an ORCA BC member?
Apply online and after your application is reviewed and accepted, you will be given access to our website and network’s resources.
Our membership is open to individuals or organizations who have a vested interest in – or are affected – by issues relating to organized retail crime. Members shall be:
- those who are employed by a private business and whose primary responsibilities include reducing, deterring or investigating theft, or
- public sector employees whose jobs are related to reducing, deterring or investigating crime (i.e. Law Enforcement, prosecutors, legislators, etc.).
Members must follow our Bylaws, Code of Conduct, Privacy Policy, and any other conditions or agreements at time of application or as a member in good standing.
9. How do you identify that you are a victim of ORC?
Some indicators that theft is organized include:
- Multijurisdictional thefts of high‑value items.
- Groups working together with defined roles.
- Use of tools (bags, boosters, distraction techniques, fraud methods).
- Links to online resale platforms or known fences.
- Multiple incidents tied to the same individuals, vehicles, or patterns.
Would you like to join ORCABC?
Join our network of law enforcement, loss prevention professionals, and stakeholders committed to detect, deter and dismantle Organized Retail Crime in BC.