Independent study highlights stronger legal outcomes and safer stores when ALTO supports retail crime cases

The Loss Prevention Research Council (LPRC) has released the results of its latest independent analysis examining ALTO's impact on post-incident case outcomes across U.S. retailers. The findings confirm that case follow-through delivers stronger deterrence and safer environments for teams and customers.

According to the study, retail crime cases supported by ALTO produced significantly stronger legal outcomes compared to cases without ALTO involvement:

• 2.5× more time under legal custody

• 1.8× longer probation sentences

• 7.4× more restitution awarded to retailers and other businesses

• Over 40% decrease in unfavorable outcomes such as dismissals and decline prosecutions

The study highlights the critical role of legal consequences in reducing repeat offenses. Without meaningful follow-through, offenders often cycle back into stores, increasing risks for employees, customers, and communities. ALTO notes that ensuring accountability through longer custody, probation, and restitution not only disrupts this cycle but also improves recovery for victimized retailers.

"Research shows that for consequences to deter crime, they must be swift, certain, and severe. ALTO's support reduced dismissals and increased penalties, boosting both the certainty and severity of legal outcomes. Additionally, supervision or incarceration limits offenders' opportunities to reoffend," said Cory Lowe, PhD, Director of Research at LPRC.

The analysis comes at a time when many retailers and businesses are balancing investments in deterrence and preventive technologies with the need for stronger case resolution. The LPRC's findings suggest that prosecution support and legal advocacy can play a decisive role in closing the gap between incidents and outcomes.

As retailers continue to seek scalable solutions to organized and repeat theft, this latest data provides measurable evidence that consistent follow-through drives real impact—both in holding offenders accountable and in improving the safety of stores nationwide.

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