For Thieves, Black Friday Is ‘Super Bowl’

While Black Friday crowds aren’t as overwhelming as they once were, shoppers should still expect busy aisles and distracted employees—a combination that creates prime conditions for theft, a former NYPD detective told Fox News. Patrick Brosnan, now head of a security consulting firm, says organized retail theft has grown into a “multibillion-dollar business,” and for professional thieves, “Black Friday is their Super Bowl.” Crowded stores, overextended staff, high-value products on display, and general chaos all make it easier for criminals to slip away unnoticed.

A National Retail Federation report shows shoplifting incidents surged 93% in 2023 compared to 2019, with financial losses up 90%. Brosnan says professional theft rings operate across state lines, reselling stolen goods through sophisticated online marketplaces. These groups arrive “coordinated, focused, and fully knowledgeable” about what items to target and how to execute fast, organized thefts.

To combat the trend, Brosnan advises retailers to lock up high-value merchandise such as electronics, fragrances, tools, and designer items. Major cities also typically increase security around shopping areas during Black Friday weekend. Still, with an estimated 187 million Americans expected to shop from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, Brosnan notes there are limits to what retailers and law enforcement can realistically do.

According to a report from WJAX, the financial burden of retail theft ultimately falls on consumers, as stores raise prices to cover the cost of replacing stolen inventory.