Retail Execs Fought Back Against Theft in 2024
In 2024, retail execs took action against rising shoplifting & violence in stores
According to Bob Larkin, shoplifting is only getting worse for retailers.

Larkin, the senior vice president of retail enterprise accounts for security services provider Allied Universal, said his clients - retailers at malls and shopping centers throughout North America - have watched shoplifting become more intense, and sometimes violent, over the past few years. He said those retailers are seeing larger groups of shoplifters come in the stores at the same time, sometimes as many as eight people, and that jewelry stores are more often seeing smash-and-grabs in the middle of the day.

In 2024, retailers sought out solutions to ramp up security while minimizing any impact on sales - both by ramping up traditional security measures and adopting new technology. What the year laid bare is that some of the most common tactics - like locking up merchandise and getting customers to flag down an employee to unlock it - haven't cut it, and retailers are increasingly in search of other solutions.

Larkin said some retailers have asked for additional security guards in the stores or to bring in more off-duty police officers. Some, he said, requested a more tactical look for their security guards - for example, a bright yellow uniform as opposed to a black suit and white shirt - to be able to identify them more easily.

Retailers, including CVS and Walmart, have started testing ways for customers to open locked security cases with their phones, per reports this year. "This pilot is an example of how we're applying technology as a possible solution and we're eager to learn more about how it works and is received," CVS spokesperson Amy Thibault told Retail Brew. In December, CNBC reported that some Walmart employees in Texas began wearing body cameras in a pilot program.

Larkin said his clients have also turned to RFID for information on what's being stolen or lost and where - whether it be in the supply chain, store or at the point of sale - as well as miniature GPS units help track products and aid law enforcement.

"Retailers want to look at what are the ways now that they can deter the criminals from committing the crimes, reduce the amount of violence, but not create the friction for an everyday, legitimate customer," Johnston said. modernretail.co


Lawmaker Urges DOJ to Ramp Up Fight Against ORC
Sen. Ossoff Launches Inquiry to Protect Georgia Businesses from Organized Crime
U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is launching an inquiry to better protect Georgia businesses from organized retail theft. Sen. Ossoff recently urged the Department of Justice to strengthen investigations and stop organized retail theft.

"I write to request information on DOJ's efforts to combat organized retail crime (ORC) and to urge federal law enforcement to comprehensively respond to these criminal networks," Sen. Ossoff wrote to Attorney General Merrick Garland. "ORC threatens the safety of Georgia's retail workers and customers."

According to a May Congressional Research Service report, the FBI's National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) does not collect data on theft that separates organized retail theft from other types of theft.

According to a report issued by Retail Industry Leaders Association and Buy Safe America Coalition,Georgia businesses are estimated to lose over $3 billion annually to retail theft. This includes $1.6 billion in stolen goods and $326 million in lost tax revenue, along with 17,000 lost jobs, the report said.

"To effectively fight ORC, we must understand its scope and impact," Sen. Ossoff continued. "Therefore, I request information regarding the Department of Justice's efforts to identify, evaluate the impacts of, and stop ORC."

Click here to read Sen. Ossoff's inquiry with Attorney General Merrick Garland. ossoff.senate.gov


Another State Enacts Law to Fight ORC
Ohio Takes Action Against Organized Retail Theft with New Law
A new law aimed at combating the rising tide of organized retail theft in Ohio was signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine on Wednesday. The legislation, co-written by Attorney General Dave Yost's office, seeks to address the crime rings responsible for stealing billions of dollars worth of merchandise each year, which ultimately drives up prices for consumers.

"Consumers bear the cost when organized retail theft goes unchecked," said Yost. "With this law, we aim to ensure that thieves, not Ohio consumers, are the ones who pay the price."

The Fight Organized Retail Crime and Empower Law Enforcement Act introduces stronger penalties for retail theft rings and creates a statewide task force to investigate these crimes. The law also establishes an advisory council within the Attorney General's Office. Yost's office worked in collaboration with the Ohio Council of Retail Merchants, Ohio Chamber of Commerce, and state lawmakers to craft the law. State Rep. Haraz Ghanbari and state Sen. George Lang sponsored the legislation.

One of the key provisions of the new law is the creation of a felony offense for organized retail theft, with penalties that escalate based on the value of the stolen merchandise. Repeat offenders will face harsher charges, with a minimum fourth-degree felony charge for individuals convicted of theft in the last three years.

The law also forms a new task force under Yost's Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission to focus on investigating retail theft across the state. The task force will be supported by the Organized Retail Theft Advisory Council, which will include representatives from law enforcement, retail organizations, and prosecutors. sciotopost.com


Police Applaud Positive Impact of ORC Law
Albuquerque police sees success with organized retail crime law
The organized retail crime law went into effect in June 2023. It allows prosecutors to add up the value of stolen items regardless of where it was stolen, making repeated smaller shoplifting charges into a more serious felony crime.

APD Commander of Investigative Service Division, Jeffery Barnard, points to Ryan Schuessler as an example of why this law is important.

"They're people who have significant history and have repeatedly offended and victimized different stores after the last year and even prior to that, so they're very difficult for the community to deal with," Barnard said.

Barnard said they've been able to charge about 100 people under the statute. It's landed more suspected criminals in jail for longer. He also said in November they finally saw shoplifting number turn around.

"Year to date stats starting in November, we were down in shoplifting for the year overall," said Barnard. While it takes more time and work to get people on the felony charge, Barnard said it's worth it. kob.com


California criminal suspects caught on camera learning about new tough-on-crime measures: 'Oh s---!'

AG Yost Applauds New Law Targeting Rise in Costly Organized Retail Theft
 

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Trussville, AL: 'We will not tolerate it here;' Trussville PD releases video of suspected shoplifter's car veering off road during police chase
The Trussville Police Department has identified the woman suspected of shoplifting at Kohl's earlier today and released a video depicting her vehicle swerving off the road while she attempted to elude police. The woman has been identified as Jasmine Nelson of Vestavia Hills. She has been charged with felony theft and felony attempting to elude. According to TPD Lt. Clint Riner, Trussville police were dispatched to Kohl's on a report of shoplifting at approximately 12:36 p.m. When officers arrived, Nelson reportedly left the store, got into a vehicle, and attempted to elude officers by driving up Chalkville Mountain Road toward Grayson Valley. As depicted in the video, her vehicle eventually veered off the road into a ditch during the pursuit and she was taken into custody. "Please stop coming to our city to shoplift, we will not tolerate it here," Cpl. James McCool said in the video.  trussvilletribune.com


Butler County, OH: Update: Man arrested for crime at Butler County Home Depot was previously banned at other Home Depots
A man who is a suspect in a Fairfield Twp. shoplifting incident that escalated to robbery when a 65-year-old employee was knocked down is in the Butler County Jail facing a felony charge. Brandon McCarty, 43, entered Home Depot in Fairfield Twp. on Aug. 20 and attempted to steal power tools, according to the Butler County Sheriff's Office and the Fairfield Township Police report. While fleeing, McCarty pushed down the female employee, according to the police report. The merchandise was dropped at the store before the suspect escaped. McCarty was developed as a suspect using store video, a description and flock cameras used to track a rental car. The sheriff's office became involved in the case when Sheriff Richard Jones was shopping in the store and was approached by an employee about the case, according to BCSO officials. On Oct. 28, McCarty was charged with robbery, a second-degree felony, and two counts of misdemeanor theft. The charge was increased due to the alleged assault on the employee. "He is known to loss prevention in the area and has been banned from numerous Home Depots," said Butler County Sheriff's Chief Deputy Anthony Dwyer. "The sheriff has a thing about these bold thieves who just do what they want and corporations that just deal with it and tack the price onto (consumers)," he said.  journal-news.com


Huntsville, AL: Duo steals $6k worth of merchandise from Sunglass Hut
In late December, Huntsville Police say two people walked into Sunglass Hut at Bridge Street and picked up multiple pairs of sunglasses. Police say they hid several pricey pairs in their clothes and walked out of the store with $6,000 worth of stolen goods. waff.com


Shreveport, LA: Man arrested on 13 theft-related charges within the past year; busted at Walgreens

UK: London, England: Prolific thief jailed for $300,000 crimewave of burglaries at London's West End shops

UK: Kidderminster, England: Shoplifter banned from all Boots stores after $34,000 spree