This graphic compiled by PA Courts InfoShare, a monthly product of the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts, shows trends and information regarding retail theft in Pennsylvania.

Warren County is bucking a statewide trend of rising retail theft.

Retail theft offenses in Pennsylvania increased by 53% from 2021 to 2023, following years in decline. The information comes from a compilation of statewide offenses recorded in the Magisterial District Judge System (MDJS) and Common Pleas Case Management System. It was then grouped by county and section.

According to data compiled and released recently by the state court system, retail theft cases in Warren County were stable in 2019 and 2020 at 103 and 124, respectively, before skyrocketing in 2021 and 2022 to 230 and 232. Retail theft cases decreased again in 2023 to 127. Neighboring Elk County saw its retail theft cases remain relatively steady over the five-year period, with retail theft charges ranging from 75 to 124. Forest County has seen only seven retail theft charges filed over the entire five-year time period included in the state court system’s report.

The highest number of retail theft cases, unsurprisingly, come in counties with urban areas. Allegheny County had the highest number of retail theft cases in the state, with 13% of the state’s retail theft cases being filed there, followed by Montgomery County (9%), Philadelphia (6%), Delaware (5%), Erie (5%)and Bucks (5%) counties.

The majority of retail theft cases are filed against those ages 26 to 35 years of age (29%), followed by ages 36 to 45 (21%) and 46 to 65 (20%). Of the 161,907 retail theft offenses committed, 42% resulted in convictions in court with another 25% resolved through Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition.

Twice in recent months the state Attorney General’s office has filed charges in retail theft rings. In October, state Attorney General Michelle Henry and the Pennsylvania State Police announced charges against the three alleged leaders of an organized retail theft crew who stole merchandise, altered receipts, and made returns at TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, and Marshalls stores, resulting in more than $850,000 in payouts in the Philadelphia area.

“This was a sophisticated, highly-profitable scheme involving hundreds of transactions circumventing return policies — but make no mistake about it, this conduct is theft,” Henry said. “I want to thank our partners with the Pennsylvania State Police and my staff for conducting a thorough investigation, as well as the dedicated work of the grand jurors.”

While the organization targeted more than 1,000 store locations in nine different states, most of the transactions happened in southeastern Pennsylvania, in and around suburban Philadelphia.Most of the transactions began with the theft of items or merchandise, which were then returned for store credit. Typically, the defendants then manipulated the return policy to have refunds applied to the defendants’ debit cards. There were 1,500 transactions worth more than $700,000 in payouts.

“These crimes affect not only retailers but the communities they serve. Retail theft harms us all by driving up the prices of essential goods,” said PSP Commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris. “The Pennsylvania State Police and our law enforcement partners are dedicated to protecting our communities from the selfish acts of those who seek financial gain from crimes like this.”

An earlier case in August resulted in charges against five people involved in an organized retail theft operation that targeted stores across nine counties spanning a large area in southeastern and south central Pennsylvania over the course of three months in 2024. Between February 28 and May 30, a group allegedly stole over-the-counter medications and other health and beauty products from major retailers including Giant, Weis Markets, and Wegmans in 40 documented incidents across nine counties including Cumberland, Dauphin, York, Lancaster, Union, Lehigh, Berks, Chester, and Northumberland. The total value of stolen goods was estimated to be worth more than $71,000.