The second National Organized Retail Crime Blitz, which took place in August across 32 states, resulted in more than 1,900 apprehensions and arrests and the recovery or prevention of more than $2 million in retail theft losses, according to a joint announcement last month by the National Retail Federation, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, the Cook County Regional Organized Crime Task Force and the Los Angeles Organized Retail Crime Association.

The blitz brought together law enforcement agencies and retail partners to combat organized retail crime through intelligence sharing, collaboration and targeted investigations.

During the nine-day event, 84 law enforcement agencies from 32 states participated in the coordinated effort, along with 40 retail brands to recover or prevent retail theft losses committed through organized crime.

Among those arrested, 42 cases involved the recovery of controlled substances.

Participating agencies also developed seven leads involving “fencing” or the sale of stolen merchandise, recovered six stolen vehicles and seized eight weapons.

In one specific case, an apprehension resulted in the recovery of a trafficked individual who was exploited and forced to steal for her abductors. This individual was provided with medical care, and the trafficking investigation remains ongoing.

“Organized retail crime is most effectively addressed when retailers and law enforcement work together,” Cook County Regional Organized Crime Task Force deputy director Edward Henkel said. “The campaign spotlights the impact of intelligence sharing and coordinated investigations in disrupting criminal activity and supporting safer communities across the country.”

The NRG is urging the U.S. Senate to pass the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, following its passage in the U.S. House of Representatives in May. The legislation would strengthen federal coordination and equip state and local law enforcement to better identify and investigate cross jurisdictional and transnational retail crime groups.