SmallBusinessNewz

Most small businesses can't afford to be victims of theft.  Also, since small businesses can't match Wal-Mart's prices, then it stands to reason that they really can't compete with the criminals who steal from retailers.  Fortunately, the National Retail Federation and eBay have teamed up in attempt to crack down on organized retail crime.

Paul Jones, eBay's global director of asset protection, said in a statement, "NRF has done a great job of shining a spotlight on the issue of organized retail crime, but retailers cannot fight this problem alone.  Through this partnership, NRF and eBay are putting criminals on notice that they will no longer be able to steal from retailers and abuse the online marketplace for profit."

It sounds like the NRF and eBay - along with the FBI - intend to work together on developing ways to combat this type of illegal activity.  Fresh legislation designed to punish offenders may come about as a result, as well.

Let's just hope this effort is effective.  A stunning 92 percent of retailers who participated in one NRF survey said they were affected by organized retail crime, and what's more, they said they were affected within one year of taking the survey, too.

Joe LaRocca, the NRF's senior asset protection advisor, indicated, "The partnership between NRF and eBay will create standards and best practices to stop criminals from fencing their stolen goods."