D&D Daily Partner	Booth Number
	20019
	21130
	14051
	13114
	7108
Click here to see the full list of ISC West exhibitors

Retailers Using RFID & Other Tech to Battle ORC
IoT and Store Visibility May Enable Retailers to Combat Shrink
Organized Retail Crime (ORC) has been an issue for retailers for years and is only continuing to grow as ORC gangs become more aggressive and sophisticated in their approach. According to the NRF 2021 Retail Security Survey, 69% of retail loss prevention professionals have seen an increase in ORC activity over the past year, and 65% report an increase in violence, a nearly 10% jump from 2019. With innovative technologies, including connected Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, retailers have a new opportunity to combat shrink through intelligence-led loss prevention technology.

Innovations in Loss Prevention Technology

Leveraging the latest in loss prevention solutions, storefront visibility integrates IoT technology with tags, pedestals and AI-enabled video cameras throughout stores to create an overall connected store. These technologies ultimately give retailers clearer insights into the end-to-end journey of theft as it happens, driving actionable insights for immediate outcomes. For example, using radio frequency (RFID)-based Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) systems, retailers can scan all exits and get a full picture of what went missing, and when, at the storefront.

This technology was born out of the growing need for data to optimize retail operations and connect all touch points in store. It has also been recognized as an ideal way to combat the rise in sophisticated ORC activities.

Store Visibility and IoT Provides Insights into Items In and Out of Store

With RFID, retailers also can track items that leave the store back to the distribution centers and use the technology to prove the items there were stolen, potentially aiding in the takedown of the entire ORC gang rather than just the mule. Retailers should also keep in mind that while loss prevention is hugely beneficial for combatting shrink, it also serves many other functions within a store, including monitoring inventory levels.

What Intelligence-Led Loss Prevention Means for Shrink

This opportunity to track theft beyond the exits has never previously been available to retailers. The new technology has enabled a shift from event-based information to insights-based information, so retailers can better understand the magnitude of loss events. With this deeper understanding, they can make a stronger case to law enforcement when shrink does occur, and better yet take the right steps to prevent shrink in the first place. retailtouchpoints.com

Shoplifting Surges Across the Board
How to Cut Down on 'Devastating' Shoplifting Loss

It is likely that shoplifting is increasing across the board now, and it can be devastating to small businesses recovering from the pandemic.

According to a recent National Retail Federation study, "One potential driver behind the increases in robberies and shoplifting incidences is the growth in organized retail crime reported by retailers. Last holiday season, we read frightening stories of "flash mob" thefts that are large scale smash-and-grab thefts involving up to several dozen people.

As the The Washington Post notes, "Retail executives and security experts say the rise of such robberies - which have gone viral online and in some cases, spurred copycats - is the culmination of several factors, including a shortage of security guards, reluctance by police and prosecutors to pursue shoplifting offenses, and the growing use of social media as an organizational tool."

These crimes have mostly targeted large stores with inventory that is easy to resell, so for most of us they are hopefully not a danger. But it is likely that shoplifting is increasing across the board now, and it can be devastating to small businesses recovering from the pandemic.

Many states have a high threshold for prosecuting retail theft, and law enforcement won't go after a suspect unless the amount stolen is greater than this minimum. One action you can take to help curtail shoplifting is to lobby for the threshold in your state to be lowered.

There are many security systems and devices on the market that may help reduce theft in your store, including cameras and mirrors. Modifying your store layout could also be a way to deter shoplifting. Encouraging your staff to interact with customers can improve sales and also help deter shoplifting. giftsanddec.com

Calif. Remains "Shoplifter's Paradise" as Prop 47 Repeal Effort Stalls
Effort to repeal Proposition 47 crime law fails in committee at Capitol
A group of state and local lawmakers, law enforcement officers and crime victims advocates stood on the steps of the State Capitol Tuesday to begin an effort to repeal the impacts of the voter-approved Proposition 47 in 2014. By the end of the day, that effort had stalled in the California Assembly.

Proposition 47, as known as the "Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act," made various changes relating to theft and drugs crimes to reclassify some from felonies to misdemeanors and to reduce jail sentences for those convicted and already serving their sentences. In some instances, those convicted of reclassified crimes were released from jail.

The law, aimed at complying with a California Supreme Court order to reduce prison overcrowding, raised the threshold for felony theft to $950 from $500. Theft offenses under that threshold were classified as misdemeanors.

"Today we can make crime illegal again in California. The Legislature is taking up my bill to repeal Prop. 47," read a tweet from Republican Kevin Kiley, a legislator representing the 6th Assembly District.

AB 1599 is a proposal from Kiley and two dozen other lawmakers that would repeal Prop 47 and most of its impacts on the criminal justice system. The proposal failed in the Assembly Public Safety Committee 5-2, Kiley's office said Tuesday afternoon.

If the proposal had survived the legislative review process, it would then be placed on the ballot for voters to determine its fate. kcra.com

The View from the Other Side: Is Prop 47 Repeal Even Necessary?
Op-Ed: Proposition 47 repeal bill fails in committee and that's a good thing
California Republicans, police unions and right-wing talking heads have made it a point to scapegoat Proposition 47 for everything (even non-Prop. 47 crimes, like smash-and-grab thefts and organized retail crime) and repeatedly insist petty theft and drug possession are decriminalized.

The bill analysis is worth reading for anyone actually interested in the facts about whether or not Prop. 47 repeal is warranted.

For example, it notes a Pew Charitable Trusts study which found that, "raising the felony theft threshold in other states had no impact on crime; states that increased their thresholds reported roughly the same average decrease in crime as the 20 states that did not change their theft laws; and the amount of a state's felony theft threshold-whether it is $500, $1,000, $2,000, or more- is not correlated with its property crime and larceny rates.

The bill analysis also notes that California's felony threshold for theft of $950 is actually low compared to most other states. Only 11 states have a higher threshold. Let me repeat that. Despite the fact that Prop. 47 critics routinely act like $950 is an absurdly high threshold, the vast majority of states have higher thresholds. In Texas, for example, the felony threshold is $2,500. In Alabama, it's $1,500. California's $950 limit is more conservative than Alabama's or Texas'.

The bill analysis also notes that, "while Proposition 47 did reduce certain theft offenses to misdemeanors, there are still legal options for charging thefts that call for increased penalties." It maps out ways that prosecutors can aggregate misdemeanor offenses to bolster penalties when they're warranted. sbsun.com

Gas Theft Is The New Hot Crime Spilling Into Illinois

US: 81.2M Cases - 992.3K Dead - 56.4M Recovered
Worldwide: 462.2M Cases - 6M Dead - 395.4M Recovered

Former Senior Loss Prevention Executive
Know of any fallen LP exec? Let's remember & recognize.

Private Industry Security Guard Deaths: 354   Law Enforcement Officer Deaths: 716
*Red indicates change in total deaths

Red Alert from Across the Pond?
What rising Covid-19 infections in the UK & Europe could mean for the US
Two weeks after the United Kingdom dropped its last remaining Covid-19 mitigation measure -- a requirement that people who test positive for the virus isolate for five days -- the country is seeing cases and hospitalizations climb once again.

Covid-19 cases were up 48% in the UK last week compared with the week before. Hospitalizations were up 17% over the same period. The country's daily case rate -- about 55,000 a day -- is still less than a third of the Omicron peak, but cases are rising as fast as they were falling just two weeks earlier, when the country removed pandemic-related restrictions.

The situation in Europe has the attention of public health officials for two reasons: First, the UK offers a preview of what may play out in the United States, and second, something unusual seems to be happening. In previous waves, increases in Covid hospitalizations lagged behind jumps in cases by about 10 days to two weeks. Now, in the UK, cases and hospitalizations seem to be rising in tandem, something that has experts stumped. cnn.com

China's COVID Lockdowns Impacting U.S. Retail
Amazon, Walmart Online Orders Likely Delayed by China Lockdowns

Shenzhen home to half of all China's online retail exporters

Orders placed with global e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Walmart may be delayed by virus lockdowns and restrictions in some of China's key manufacturing hubs, according to an industry body.

Shenzhen, home to around half of all the online retail exporters in China, was locked down for at least a week on Sunday to try to contain a spreading Covid-19 outbreak. Its 17.5 million residents were told to work from home, with all non-essential businesses and public transport shut.

In nearby Dongguan, a key Chinese hub for the manufacture of shoes, toys and textiles, factories in areas where there are virus cases have been told to close, and schools and restaurants are effectively shuttered.

The moves are creating significant disruption to the production and delivery of goods sold on major online marketplaces, including those run by Amazon.com Inc. and U.S. retail giant Walmart Inc., said Wang Xin, head of the Shenzhen Cross-Border E-Commerce Association.

Most production has been suspended in Shenzhen due to the lockdown and deliveries are snarled because logistics firms and warehouses aren't operating or are doing so at a reduced capacity, Wang said in an interview Monday. bloomberg.com

UK Retailer's Workers Told to Work with COVID
Wilko U-turns after investigation finds 20K staff were told to work with Covid

Over 20,000 employees at Wilko were sent a memo stating they should go to work if they have Covid but are asymptomatic, leaving staff and the public concerned

Wilko has U-turned on its Covid policy after a Mirror investigation revealed staff were being told to return to work - even if they tested positive for the virus. Over 20,000 employees were issued a memo stating they should go to work if they have Covid but are asymptomatic, leaving staff and the public concerned for their welfare.

Jerome Saint-Marc, Wilko CEO told The Mirror: "When we get something wrong, we hold our hands up admit it, and work to correct the situation. Today's news has highlighted some miscommunication within our Covid-19 policies, and I wanted to reassure all our customers and team members that."

Mr Saint-Marc said under new revised guidance, team members that have Covid symptoms/test positive should still stay at home and avoid contact with others. "This will help reduce the chance of spreading Covid-19," a statement added.  mirror.co.uk

Post-Omicron Retail Boom?
Optimism in the Loop: 'When density returns, I think retail will follow'

The Loop retail vacancy rate has risen again. But the fall of omicron and the increase in firms calling employees back to the office could bring shops and restaurants relief

After suffering through a brutal two-year pandemic, the market for storefront space in the greater Loop can't get much worse. If downtown offices fill up with people again, it might even get better. chicagobusiness.com

In China, 37 million people are in Covid lockdown

Victim Impact Statements - Follow-through is the key to success

More than 40% of Victim Impact Statements are never returned by retailers.

Do not lose your restitution opportunities!

It is fair to say that without an organized program for collecting and responding to Victim Impact Statements, most retailers are missing an opportunity to inform jurisdictions of their full loss. Retailers may not be awarded restitution from a loss suffered in their stores, warehouses and/or corporate locations if they do not respond to official requests. Without having a central location for jurisdictions to send Victim Impact Statements, they will most likely be sent to the location where the theft occurred; where they may sit unanswered or worse yet, be discarded. Victim Impact Statements are deadline driven and normally require research and follow through. Each year thousands become stale due to lack of response or are rejected as incomplete. While the basic information may be the same, each jurisdiction has its own set of rules and expectations for completion. Knowing the nuances required by each jurisdiction can make the difference to the restitution awarded.

The Zellman Group has a long-standing relationship with thousands of Courts and Department of Corrections across the country. This relationship ensures smooth communication between all parties. Our centralized process ensures every Victim Impact Statement arrives from the jurisdiction of offense to our firm. Zellman processes all Victim Impact Statements well within deadlines and manages all follow-up. Our process ensures that our retail partners will recover substantially more money with very little expense.

Click here to learn more.

The Zellman Group, LLC is a full-service Loss Prevention provider located in Greenvale, NY. Contact us at info@zellmangroup.com or at 516-625-0006.

Exploring the growing complexity of retail loss prevention

As commerce and consumer habits evolve, the function of preventing loss in retail has become increasingly complex. Teams charged with protecting and enhancing retail profitability must take on new responsibilities to protect people, property, and assets.

Retail Council of Canada's virtual Retail Loss Prevention Forum, on April 12, 2022, will examine how retail loss prevention and risk management teams are evolving their roles, responsibilities, and empowering their staff with the new skills and approaches required to be effective in today's retail environment.

During this packed ½ day forum, leading retailers will share real-life, actionable examples of how new proactive tactics are outsmarting felonious activities.

Click here to learn more about the event's topics and speakers.
 

E-Commerce Surge is Driving Shipping Fraud Explosion
Shipping fraud quickly emerging as one of the top fraud types
The continuous growth of e-commerce could be behind a surge in shipping fraud, which is now the fastest growing type of digital fraud worldwide, according to a TransUnion report.

There was an influx in shipping fraud in 2021, resulting in a 780.5% year-over-year (YoY) global increase. When compared to a two-year timeframe from 2019 to 2021, TransUnion data shows shipping fraud grew more than 1,500+%.

Shipping fraud - defined as when a buyer spoofs a shipping address or when a seller receives payment for goods or services, but never ships to the buyer - has quickly emerged as one of the top fraud types across a variety of industries. This issue, however, was most prominent in the logistics industry where consumers purchase goods online and are then reliant on third-party carriers for transportation and delivery of items.

"As consumers shifted from brick-and-mortar retailers to e-commerce platforms over the course of the pandemic, fraudsters gravitated toward areas where consumers were increasingly spending both time and money," said Shai Cohen, SVP and global head of fraud solutions at TransUnion. "Online shopping has become the 'new normal' on a global scale and as a result, the propensity for shipping fraud has also increased."

As consumer adoption of digital channels has continued to accelerate, the global rate for all types of suspected digital fraud attempts increased 9.4% YoY from 2020 to 2021 and 52.2% from 2019 to 2021. In addition to shipping fraud, other types of fraud that experienced large increases when comparing 2020 to 2021 include business identity theft (+113.8%) and identity mining / phishing attempts (+104.8%) which both showed high rates of annual growth.

According to a recent survey of 12,500 adults worldwide, 62% of consumers reported identity theft as their greatest concern when it comes to digital fraud.

"To effectively mitigate digital fraud risks, businesses should ensure there are strong authentication processes in place as well as streamlined technology and multi-layered identity solutions. These solutions will help build trust with customers and thwart these fraud tactics," said Cohen. helpnetsecurity.com

Dangerous Online Products
Exclusive: Skin whitening creams containing high levels of mercury continue to be sold on the world's biggest e-commerce sites, new report finds
Skin whitening products containing high levels of mercury continue to be sold on the world's biggest e-commerce platforms, including websites run by eBay, Amazon and Alibaba, a new report by the Zero Mercury Working Group (ZMWG) finds.

The report, shared exclusively with CNN ahead of publishing, is the third by the ZMWG to reveal high levels of mercury in, and the global availability of, skin whitening soaps and creams. This is, however, the group's first report to focus solely on the online sale of these products.

For its research, ZMWG purchased and tested 271 skin lightening products from more than 40 e-commerce sites in 17 countries across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. Of these, 129 products in 16 countries were found to have high levels of mercury and were being sold on more than 30 different sites. cnn.com

Amazon Must Face Trimmed Antitrust Suit Seeking Over $55B

'Saturday Night Live' takes a jab at Amazon Go stores in what may be its best commercial parody yet