2025 Mid-Year Retail Violent Fatalities Report

New data shows a rise in violence in and around retail locations. The 2025 Mid-Year Retail Violent Fatalities Report by the D&D Daily compiles incident data from publicly available news reports across the country, offering a snapshot of fatal violence reported in retail environments during the first half of the year.

In this blog, we’ll give a recap of the key takeaways you need to know, and share tips for ensuring your big box retail security plan doesn’t miss a beat.  

Fatal Retail Violence Is Up 

Retail-related fatal incidents increased by 25% compared to 2024. The report doesn’t attribute this increase to any specific factors, but the statistic highlights a need for renewed focus on prevention, situational awareness, and preparedness.

The Danger is High, Inside and Outside

The report confirms what security professionals have long known: Security must start before the front doors. 53% of all fatal retail incidents in the first half of 2025 took place in parking lots. For retailers, this is a good reminder that while securing store aisles, stocking rooms, and offices is important, exterior spaces carry just as much risk as interior ones and should be secured accordingly. 

→ Learn how to secure your site from the outside in. 

Convenience Stores Are Top Targets

Convenience stores accounted for 38% of fatalities—the highest of any retail category. While the report didn’t speculate on why these locations took the brunt of the violence, their mix of extended (often overnight) hours and minimal on-site staffing may naturally heighten their exposure to risk.

Facilities that operate under similar conditions should take note, as they may be especially vulnerable to retail theft and other crime. Incorporating big box retail security systems with remote monitoring capabilities can help increase visibility, improve response times, and reduce risk in problem-prone zones.

The Majority of Victims Are Customers

The report also showed that 59% of all fatalities were customers. This drives home the fact that investing in retail security solutions isn’t just about loss prevention; it’s about protecting the people who keep you in business.

→ Read our tips for finding the sweet spot between strong security and customer experience. 

Violence Occurs Every Day of the Week

The report analyzed when fatal incidents occurred, and found that every day of the week saw deadly incidents. Although Monday recorded the highest percentage (19%) of incidents, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday each followed closely at 15%. 

The important takeaway here is that violence doesn’t stick to a schedule. Retailers need commercial security systems that give them real-time awareness around the clock. 

Here’s How You Can Protect Your Business

Action helps prevent your business from becoming another statistic. Investing in the right tools is the first step.

LVT’s retail store surveillance systems help you make sure that high-risk areas never go unwatched. And thanks to agentic AI, these systems are more proactive than ever before. Instead of just recording incidents, they can analyze activity, recognize patterns, and trigger appropriate deterrents—in real time, without the need for human intervention. 

But even the most advanced systems will be limited if they can’t see every inch of your site property; full site coverage is critical. Entrances and interiors are, of course, important, but you also need to think about loading zones, parking lots, and any walking paths or alleyways on your property. Consider installing fixed cameras and filling in gaps with flexible, scalable mobile solutions. Clear sightlines, regular property maintenance, and ample lighting also contribute to a safer environment for employees, customers, and visitors alike.

Deter Retail Crime with LVT’s Commercial Security Systems

As retail crime continues to rise, many retailers are reassessing their commercial security systems and safety protocols to create safer environments for employees and customers.

Whether you need fixed cameras for known hotspots, mobile surveillance units to keep up with evolving threats, or a comprehensive big box retail security system to keep an eye on multiple sites, LVT has tailored solutions that help you stay proactive, protected, and ready for worst-case scenarios. 

Contact our team today to get started.