Theft claims are difficult to prove

This is part one of a three-part series on organized retail crime. The stories will examine the claims retailers make about how theft is affecting their business and the actions companies and policymakers are taking in response to the issue. Be sure to check out parts two and three later this week.

Anti-theft locked merchandise on shelves with customer service button at CVS pharmacy, Queens, New York.

Retailers have zeroed in on organized retail theft as a top priority, as more and more companies blame crime for lower profits.

But it is difficult for companies to tally just how much stolen goods affect their bottom lines — and even tougher to confirm their claims.

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