The annual NMORCA conference exchanges ideas to combat retail crime

ALBUQUERQUE, NM – People attended the second annual New Mexico Organized Retail Crime Association and they said retail crime was down this year compared to last year.

It's no secret when you walk into a store and see everyday essentials locked up, and this affects businesses in both small and large communities. However, the state is trying to stop organized retail crime to make doing business safer across New Mexico.

“They learn the best practices for investigating and working with law enforcement so they can build that relationship. “So if there is crime in the store, they have a baseline, things and a standard to investigate,” said Alison Riley, director of public policy for the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce.

During the New Mexico Organized Retail Crime Association conference, law enforcement and retailers came together to share ideas, network and learn about the latest scams. According to the police chief of Española, this is urgently needed.

“It's a force multiplier and in every aspect, whether we're in retail or law enforcement, we're all short-staffed. So this type of collaboration really highlights how important it is for us to work together,” said Española Police Chief Mizel Garcia.

Garcia was a sergeant with the Albuquerque Police Department in 2010 and says he has seen firsthand how associations like ORCA have contributed to Albuquerque's development.

This past weekend, the APD announced that retail crime was down compared to the beginning of the year. Increase from 884 shopliftings in January to 444 in August.

KOB 4 spoke to shoppers who say they believe increased police and security in shopping areas has helped curb crime.

“I feel like there’s a big store presence. There are employees everywhere and I think that's helpful. I think having a local presence really helps,” said Leah Tyler, a buyer.

This is only the second annual NMORCA conference and organizers made it clear that it will not be their last.