Pictured, left to right (Back row):
James Cosseboom, Senior Manager Investigations and Corporate AP, Ahold Delhaize USA
Chris Nelson Vice President Loss Prevention, Gap Inc
John Velke, SVP Risk Management & Loss Prevention, Total Wine & More
Adam Gilvin, Director Loss Prevention, DSW Inc
Robert LaCommare, Vice President Asset Protection, Big Lots
Van Carney, Director LP Safety and Security, Domino's
Howard Stone, Director, Logistics Loss Prevention, Amazon
David Johnston, Sr Director Loss Prevention & Corporate Security, Dunkin' Brands
Gregg Smith, Sr Director AP, Five Below

Pictured, left to right (Front row):
Eliot Green, AVP, Global Investigations & Safety Director, The TJX Companies Inc.
Robert Hanson, Professor, Northern Michigan University
Kathleen Smith, VP, Asset Protection, Albertsons LLC
Dan Faketty, VP, Asset Protection, Southeastern Grocers
Bob Moraca, VP Loss Prevention for NRF

'Live in NYC at NRF Big Show 2019'
Reception Tuesday Evening 1-15-19
Honoring The NRF LP Council

With a new great venue that opened up the space and located in the heart of the Big Show hotels, the crowd of over 150 LP leaders, teams and solution providers hit an all-time high and truly lent itself to more conversation, mingling, and just colleagues and friends getting together for the New Year.

The shutdown had an impact as the FBI was regretfully unable to join us. However, NYPD Commissioner O'Neill provided a great, passionate speaker with Assistant Chief Fausto Pichardo, who is the executive officer running all 77 patrol services throughout the NYPD.

Assist. Chief Pichardo gave us a real-life view of what NYPD sees in the streets and in retail today and how they're involved and working with many of the nation's retailers today. He also talked passionately about the increasing need for collaboration and NYPD's focus on helping retailers. As well as how technology is impacting their efforts in developing and following cases nationwide and tying them into NYPD's efforts and cases.

His passion and sincere desire to make an impact and work with the nation's retailers was just refreshing and motivating to hear - something the entire group appreciated and recognized.

Thanks to everyone for attending and with the great feedback we received, especially about the new venue, design and food, we'll certainly visit this next year and continue the growth and this LP's New Year's Kickoff honoring the NRF LP Council. A special thanks to Bob Moraca, the VP of LP for the NRF and Dan Faketty, Council Chair and VP AP Southeastern Grocers for working with us and supporting the event.

Stay tuned to the Daily, as we post more team pictures from the event in the coming days and weeks.

James Volz promoted to Senior Asset Protection, Operations & Safety Manager for Lowe's Prior to his promotion, James served in various LP roles for Lowe's over the past four years, from Loss Prevention Manager to District Organized Retail Crime Captain. Before that, he spent two years as a Transportation Security Officer for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Campus Safety and Security Officer for Glenbard South High School. He also held LP/AP positions with Metro One and Best Buy. Congratulations, James!

Jeremiah Villavicencio promoted to Senior Asset Protection, Operations and Safety Manager for Lowe's Prior to his promotion, Jeremiah spent nearly three years as a Loss Prevention Manager for Lowe's. Before that, he served as a Senior Asset Protection Specialist for Target for more than two years. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Criminology from the University of South Carolina-Columbia and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration from Charleston Southern University. Congratulations, Jeremiah!

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SIY: Steal it Yourself
How ORC is Getting Rich Off of DIY Stores

Professional shoplifters are typically smarter than amateur thieves and choose their targets carefully. This type of thief specifically looks for a couple of main characteristics when considering which retailers to steal from. First, they seek out retailers who sell products that are high in demand because this type of merchandise can quickly be resold for cash. Additionally, they look for retailers who appear to provide the easiest ways of escape without detection. For these reasons, Home Improvement retailers tend to be prime targets for Organized Retail Crime.

To better understand why the Home Improvement industry has been so heavily impacted by ORC, consider the following:

● High Value Goods - Power Drills, Saws, Generators, and Power Washers are always in high demand

● Easy Resale - New tools are easy to liquidate online, in-person, and across an unscrupulous pawn shop networks

● Easy Entry and Egress - Large Home Improvement and Hardware Stores typically provide multiple

Although Home Improvement retailers such as Home Depot, Lowe's and Menard's have strong Loss Prevention and Asset Protection strategies in place to combat shoplifting, professional thieves quickly adapt to such strategies and continue to inflict great harm to this industry's financial bottom line.

The Role of Theft-Preventing Technology

Gatekeeper Systems understands the issues facing Loss Prevention today - non-confrontation policies, greater shoplifter violence, and increasingly expensive thefts encouraged by decriminalization. Thieves are aware of these issues and have begun to abuse them with targeted theft amounts, disregard for security, and brandishing weapons against employees who try to apprehend them.

Traditional methods for addressing this problem have increasingly become inadequate. To address these issues effectively, retailers need to look for a technological solution. Only technology will provide the ability to recover merchandise without confrontations or risk to employees and customers.

Gatekeeper Systems' Purchek® system is the premier technological solution to address this epidemic. Purchek® offers a single solution to the multiple problems facing Loss Prevention, including the protection of customers and employees, as well as the protection of valuable merchandise from theft (making it available for customers), all without interfering with positive customer experiences.

Click here to find out why 19 of the top 20 retailers that use shopping carts rely on Gatekeeper solutions.

Today is Data Privacy Day
11 Experts Share Their Take on the Cyber Security Holiday
The Council of Europe agreed that January 28 should be declared European Data Protection Day back in 2007; two years later the U.S. joined in with the Data Privacy Day holiday. So, on this the 11th Data Privacy Day, Forbes reached out to 11 experts for their take on data privacy in 2019.

"Beyond the hefty fines for regulatory non-compliance" Jasmit Sagoo, senior director for Northern Europe at Veritas, says, "companies have begun taking notice of the real reputational damage that could result in a lack of responsibility for protecting and managing their data." Conversely, Sagoo points out that the potential benefits of investing in effective data protection are vast, including "the ability to personalize and improve customer service and create information-centric business models that give way to new revenue streams."

"With a three-fold approach to managing data which includes technology, processes and people" Sagoo says "organizations will be in a strong position to reap the rewards associated with protecting and managing data and building customer confidence in today's digital economy."

"With major regulatory changes now in force, from the EU GDPR to the California Consumer Privacy Act, initiatives like Data Protection Day have never been more relevant" David Kemp, business strategist for secure content management with Micro Focus, says, continuing "looking at the year ahead, we will see a major drive from organizations to achieve data privacy compliance, not only within the EU but worldwide." Of course, he's right when he points out that as regulators start to show the sharpness of their teeth so "individuals will increasingly recognize their right to data privacy, and ability to hold businesses to account for negligence."

"Data Protection Day acts as a reminder to businesses and consumers alike that cyber security solutions and fraud prevention tools are no longer optional" Brett Beranek, general manager for the security and biometrics line of business at Nuance Communications, says, adding "there is no doubt that we are in a modern arms race, fighting to develop the systems and solutions that will enable us to successfully outsmart those wishing to access and manipulate our data and make us the victims of fraud." forbes.com

Internet Society Issues Privacy Code of Conduct for Businesses
In time for Data Privacy Day, the Internet Society has issued a nine-point code of conduct that offers insights into how companies can more effectively manage personal data, including ways to improve how they handle anonymized data and keep consumers better informed on what they actually consented to releasing.

"People regard data as a commodity they can exploit, but they have to change to becoming a responsible steward of that data," says Christine Runnegar, senior director of Internet trust for the Internet Society. Companies have to change their mindset, she adds.

They also must be held accountable and stop using the consumer's consent to excuse bad practices, she says. For example, very often company websites will post long-winded forms at the bottom of the page written in legalese that people gloss over and accept.

"People often don't know what it means or what the risks are," Runnegar says. "Businesses have to offer a clearer explanation of what the personal data will be used for and make clear that it is for legitimate and reasonable purposes. They should follow up with written explanations in plain language of what the person actually consented to releasing." darkreading.com

Why Google's GDPR fine matters to U.S. retail
Google's record $57 million fine for violating the European Union General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) should serve as a wakeup call for retailers everywhere.

Google is one of those companies that isn't strictly a retailer, but engages in online retail activities. And its steep fine for not having enough transparency in how it collects and uses consumer data to personalize ads is of importance to any retailer that engages in online commerce with EU residents. Here are three reasons why what happened to Google means you need to carefully examine how you engage online with customers in the EU: chainstoreage.com

Bomb Threat, Sextortion Spammers Abused Weakness at GoDaddy.com
Retailers being targeted in active phishing and malware attacks
Two of the most disruptive and widely-received spam email campaigns over the past few months - including an ongoing sextortion email scam and a bomb threat hoax that shut down dozens of schools, businesses and government buildings late last year - were made possible thanks to an authentication weakness at GoDaddy.com, the world's largest domain name registrar, KrebsOnSecurity has learned.

Perhaps more worryingly, experts warn this same weakness that let spammers hijack domains tied to GoDaddy also affects a great many other major Internet service providers, and is actively being abused to launch phishing and malware attacks which leverage dormant Web site names currently owned and controlled by some of the world's most trusted corporate names and brands. krebsonsecurity.com

Network surveillance technologies continue to revolutionize the way retail professionals work with not just loss prevention, but also with store optimization, operational efficiencies, and enhancements to the overall customer experience.

John Bartolac of Axis Communications, the global leader in network video, tells us how retailers can utilize the network infrastructure to bring together their video surveillance, physical access control, audio systems, and now, analytics to develop creative solutions that go beyond security, helping to grow the business and improve customer experience.

John Bartolac - Axis Communications - Quick Take 2

John Bartolac shares what's new with Axis Communications, how they're reacting to the rapidly changing market, and what excites them about facial recognition and artificial intelligence. And then Gus Downing pops in for a hilarious lighting round of "hot seat" questions with Amber and Joe. Jason Bourne or James Bond? Russia or North Korea?

Millennials Want Brands to Be Socially Responsible
A brand's ethics and social responsibility can influence purchasing decisions and loyalty for many millennials-a generation transitioning into their prime spending years.

"Millennials are very aware of when something feels inauthentic or forced, and we know this based on the ways they want to be targeted or what they want to see in ads. They are looking for, and respond to, things that almost can't be inauthentic," said Joline McGoldrick, senior vice president of Data Insights and Research at VidMob.

In a recent survey by RetailMeNot, two thirds of millennial consumers said more brands should take a public stand on important social values. And over half said that even if they disagree with a company's position, that wouldn't impact their likelihood to purchase from that brand.

Brands taking stances on hot-button issues can be risky. But in an increasingly polarized political climate, some are courting controversy and are willing to alienate a vocal minority.

Nike is one such brand, which ran an ad late last year featuring Colin Kaepernick, the former NFL quarterback who sparked controversy by kneeling during the national anthem. There were consumers who cut the brand's logos off their socks, or even burned their sneakers. But there were also those who purchased Nike products in support. retail.emarketer.com

Amazon vs. eBay: The Future of Online Shopping
Still an online hub, eBay reported almost $9.6 billion in revenue last year, which is understandable given the fact that they have a 10 percent listing fee. This total is impressive, yet still lower than profits reported in previous years.

Nearly 40 percent of Amazon's sales comes from third party sellers, with the rest being sold from their own retailers -- they've acquired around 44 notable organizations over the years, including WholeFoods and Goodreads. Amazon has reported more than $2 billion each quarter for nearly a year now. The online giant also has smaller selling fees and plans that depend on what and how much you're selling. Listing with Amazon also means you get tested more on what you're selling and have many more rules to follow, meaning your customers trust that they're receiving exactly what they bought.

With their continued innovation and adaptability to changing technology trends, Amazon is quickly taking over the world and when it comes to speed of delivery -- we're talking about 48 hours -- no other company compares. But this doesn't necessarily mean eBay has anything to fear. eBay is still one of the most popular options for listing and selling items quickly. And because it is an auction site, sellers are often able to get more than the item is actually worth. entrepreneur.com

Walmart's exit from Google Express raises questions about marketplace's future
Google Express, Google's six-year-old online marketplace, could be in danger of burning out. After selling on the platform for just under two years, Walmart last week stopped selling through it, leading to questions about Google Express' longer-term future as an e-commerce marketplace. To analysts, Walmart's pullout could be the first of a range of brands that will eventually leave the platform, but it could open up opportunities for smaller sellers. digiday.com

Amazon unveils celebrity beta-testing program for Super Bowl

Ways to Mitigate E-Commerce Risks

Colts Neck, NJ: Indicted Tennis Coach Ran $400k Credit Card Theft Ring; $200k in Cryptocurrency seized
A Colts Neck youth tennis instructor, who was already charged with multiple counts of child sexual assault, has now been charged with running a sixteen-person identity theft ring. Terry Kuo's parents, who live in Neptune Twp., were also arrested after police say they tried to hide evidence of what their son was allegedly up to. A banker who police say streamlined his financial transactions was arrested in the take down, as well.

Terry Kuo, also known as "Victor Lee," or "Young Sheng Tang," who at one point worked as a youth tennis instructor at the Colts Neck Racquet Club, was charged with 15 counts of conspiracy, theft by deception, insurance fraud and forgery. Investigators digging into Kuo's background now allege that he also ran an elaborate stolen credit card ring: From January 2015 to November 2017, Kuo and more than a dozen co-conspirators throughout Monmouth County and New York City engaged in an ongoing scheme to defraud retail businesses and/or the financial institutions that issued those credit cards. They typically then sold the items for cash on eBay, the prosecutor said. Once the fraudulently obtained merchandise was sold for cash.

In total, Kuo and his co-conspirators fraudulently obtained more than 120 credit cards, and obtained more than $400,000 in merchandise as a result of the scheme. Items typically purchased include Apple MacBooks, iPads and iPhones; luxury jewelry and clothing; high-end electronics; and tennis equipment. As part of the operation, more than $200,000 in cryptocurrency was seized pursuant to court order- the first seizure of its kind by a law enforcement agency in the state of New Jersey.  patch.com

Hudson, MN: Former AT&T employee accused of more than $120,000 in theft
A White Bear Lake, Minn., man is accused of stealing almost $120,000 in goods and services from his Hudson employer over the course of a month. Timothy Ryan Skrypek, 30, was charged with three counts of felony theft following allegations that he made 45 fraudulent phone activations totaling $63,899.39 in lost income, stole $42,773 worth of devices and store deposits that total $12,588.20 while employed by the AT&T Store in Hudson.  new-richmond-news.com

Two EZ Pawn employees charged with $3,000 embezzlement; stole computers/ iPads from one store and pawned them at another EZ Pawn

Albuquerque, NM: Serial Shoplifter arrested; Pulled gun on Target LP, busted at The Home Depot

Wilkes-Barre, Township, PA: 3 Suspects sought in attempted Victoria's Secret $1,300 theft

Evanston, IL: Man fled Target with a vacuum cleaner

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