Organized retail crime is on the rise and the National Retail Federation has been following its progress for eight years.

It’s a big deal financially for retailers and yet makes sense during economic downturns that people are out seeking deals that inadvertently support organized crime. Interestingly, e-fencing is now more common for the sale of stolen goods than traditional physical fencing places such as pawn shops and flea markets.

What is being stolen reflects our society in that many of the items are frequently needed/desired and inspire people to seek cheaper alternatives. Items such as cell phones and GPS devices are almost expected and yet Kitchen Aid mixers seem unusual until we remember that many people are still trying to cook at home more to save money.

What is most interesting is that this list is of retail organized crime. These items are stolen in large quantities and often while in transit.

The list does not reflect trends of individual shoplifters who steal for their own personal use. And yet, the information keeps getting reported as such. On the radio this morning, DJs were discussing how pregnancy test shoplifting made sense because people would be embarrassed to buy one and how hard it would be to steal an individual vacuum cleaner. The reality is, that according to the report, someone is probably buying these items down the line. Even The Consumerist discussed the list as shoplifted items. It’s always helpful to go back to the original source and verify information.