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Protos Security Whitepaper
Leveraging Law Enforcement and Security Measures to Combat ORC
Organized
retail crime (ORC) poses a significant challenge to law enforcement and society
as a whole. While it is well known that financial losses, public safety
concerns, and broader societal impacts are all part of these issues, it is
challenging to find a solution as crime rates continue to rise. The purpose of
this whitepaper is to explore the role of law enforcement in combating organized
retail crime. Retailers and consumers alike are negatively affected, which
results in billions of dollars in losses each year. In order to effectively
address this issue, law enforcement must work collaboratively with retailers and
other stakeholders.
We present strategies and recommendations to enhance the fight against ORC,
contributing to the protection of businesses and the safety of communities. A
number of challenges associated with ORC are outlined, as well as strategies and
best practices that retailers should follow to collaborate effectively with law
enforcement and other stakeholders. The whitepaper also discusses solutions and
strategies to combat this growing problem.
Download
this whitepaper to learn more about law enforcement's vital role in creating a
safer environment for society and communities while reducing organized retail
crime.
Click here to download the whitepaper
The U.S. Crime Surge
The Retail Impact
Homeland Security Agents: There's An 'Army of
Shoplifters' Hitting U.S. Stores
A 'new breed of high-volume shoplifters' are
targeting stores and 'prison time is rare'
Professional shoplifters wreak havoc on stores nationwide
U.S. Homeland Security Investigations agents say there is
an army of professional shoplifters wreaking havoc on
retailers all over the United States, helping to raise prices for
law-abiding customers and causing some stores to go out of business.
Federal agents say organized retail crime rings cost the national economy an
estimated $127.5 billion a year, and the number keeps rising.
"Retailers are seeing unprecedented levels of theft ... and the situation
is only becoming more dire," said David Johnston, vice
president for asset protection at the National Retail Federation.
"If people had any idea how rampant it is, they would be shocked," said
Lt. Emil DeVincentis of the Cheektowaga Police Special Investigations Bureau in
New York. "We've arrested people who already had more than 200 shoplifting
arrests on their record."
About 90% of the shoplifters his department encounters
are organized "professionals," DeVincentis estimated, as opposed to
those who shoplift because of poverty or drug addiction.
Organized shoplifter rings
Police say some of the organized rings that steal from local stores -
including one headed by pawn shop owner Rico Vendetti -
pay drug addicts and other people to become serial shoplifters.
Ambitious criminals such as Culler and Vendetti typify the new breed of
high-volume shoplifter, Keane said.
Because store owners fear shoplifters might become violent, many managers
tell retail employees not to approach suspects when they witness the crimes,
according to the National Retail Federation.
Prison time is rare
Cheektowaga police handle on average about 40 shoplifting cases a month,
according to DeVincentis and Detective Chris Lovallo.
"Very few" of those who are arrested, probably less than 5%, wind up
serving any prison time, the investigators told The News.
"We've had many cases where individuals, repeat offenders, stole more than
$50,000 in goods and did no jail time," the lieutenant added. "If there are
no consequences or punishment, they'll probably keep doing it."
trib.com
Epidemic of 'Rampant Theft & Societal Rot'
Societal Rot, Part 2: In & Out Burger Restaurant a Casualty of Prosecutor's
Failures
Second in a five-part series. Read part 1
here.
Societal rot is a choice. The In-N-Out Burger chain was begun in California in
1948 in the Baldwin Park area of Los Angeles and has expanded to more than 400
eateries in eight states and 287 cities. Until March 24, the company had
never closed a restaurant.
However, on that day, the location in East Oakland shuttered because of
"ongoing issues with crime," according to Denny Warnick, the chief operating
officer of In-N-Out. Employees at the now-closed burger joint had to deal with "car
break-ins, property damage, and armed robberies."
Did Pamela Price, the George Soros-funded Oakland County district attorney,
fail to prosecute the thieves and armed robbers who repeatedly ravaged the
In-N-Out Burger? Yes.
Was this an inexcusable policy choice on her part? Yes.
Can the former customers and employees of this restaurant, and others that
have shuttered because of rampant lawlessness, fairly blame
Price for her pro-criminal policies? Absolutely.
Is it common sense for an elected prosecutor to refuse to enforce the law?
No.
Are the results of this rogue approach entirely predictable? You bet. That's why
the voters are seeking to recall her.
Societal rot is a choice.
dailysignal.com
Legislation That Gets to the Root of Retail
Theft
Opinion: We cannot afford to do nothing about retail theft
By Juan Alanis - CA-22 Assemblymember
While many of the retail theft bills before the Legislature are a serious and
real step in the right direction, they are not enough to combat the rampant
organized crime and retail theft issues we face. As your Assemblyman, I am
uniquely positioned to create laws and help guide legislation that
effectively addresses these public safety issues in the California
Legislature.
My bills, AB 1845 and AB 1972 are positive steps toward real solutions.
They are strategic proposals to address the resource shortage that law
enforcement agencies across our state are grappling with.
AB 1845 will establish the Identifying, Apprehending, and Prosecuting Resale
of Stolen Property Grant Program, providing crucial funds to support law
enforcement agencies and prosecutors. AB 1972 aims to bolster the California
Highway Patrol's property crimes task force to combat organized cargo theft.
These bills, which have already received unanimous bipartisan support, are a
significant step towards equipping law enforcement with the resources they need
to fight against retail theft.
Passed in 2014, Proposition 47 re-classified certain crimes, such as
shoplifting, as misdemeanors if the stolen value was less than $950, up from
the previous threshold of $400. Despite its title, the "Safe Schools and
Neighborhoods Act," Proposition 47 has not made our communities safer.
The reality is that because the voters themselves passed Proposition 47 into
law, only the voters can choose to change or repeal the law.
Everyone deserves to feel safe in their homes, and businesses should be able to
operate without the fear that criminals can steal from them without any
consequences. That is why I have introduced my two bills this year that
address the problem of resources and logistics.
turlockjournal.com
Another Progressive Prosecutor Tossed Out By
Voters
Voters Oust Progressive Prosecutor in Portland
Mike Schmidt lost to Nathan Vasquez, a
deputy district attorney in Multnomah County, Ore., who blamed his boss for the
area's recent problems with drugs and crime.
Mike Schmidt, the progressive prosecutor in Portland, Ore., who has held office
during a tumultuous period of street protests, drug overdoses and violent
crime, lost his seat to a co-worker who has called for more aggressive
prosecution of criminals, The Associated Press said on Wednesday.
The co-worker, Nathan Vasquez, a deputy district attorney in the Multnomah
County District Attorney's Office, had mounted a campaign that blamed Mr.
Schmidt for the city's recent problems. Mr. Schmidt, a Democrat, was one of a
series of progressive prosecutors around the country who had vowed to reshape
the criminal justice system.
But in the years since Mr. Schmidt's election in 2020,
voters in Portland have signaled an interest in cracking down on crime and
homelessness. As businesses fled the city center, people reported
feeling unsafe on the streets. Homicides and overdoses soared.
Mr. Vasquez called for a new approach, setting up a bitter campaign against his
boss. He promised to take on lawless behavior and petty crimes,
differentiating himself from Mr. Schmidt, who had won four years ago with
pledges to move away from focusing on low-level crimes.
nytimes.com
Organized Retail Theft the Hot Topic of ICSC
Las Vegas
Retail Theft Comes Under the Microscope at ICSC Las Vegas
Talking to most executives at ICSC Las Vegas, you might think that the
only headwinds making them sweat are a lack of spaces to rent and consumer
spending hitting a wall.
But, depending on where they do business, retail
executives are also struggling with the prevalence - or the perception of said
prevalence - of organized retail theft, which in some cities has left
chains such as Target to close locations. And politicians around the country are
throwing money at the problem, with New York Gov. Kathy Hochul recently
allocating $40 million in her recent budget to curb organized retail theft.
commercialobserver.com
Retail theft rings: Some thieves come from other countries to steal, officials
say
Police in the Philadelphia region say that for years
retail theft rings have swiped thousands of dollars worth of items from store
shelves. Police also say that technology is helping them identify these suspects
but banning them from the stores they steal from can be tricky.
'Criminal enterprise' from other states robbing Fairfax, Virginia retail stores
Concerning trend of retail fraud hits Lansing, Mich. Mall
In Case You Missed It
LP & Cybersecurity Leaders Featured at NRF
PROTECT
NRF PROTECT to Showcase Leading Loss Prevention, Cybersecurity Experts
NRF takes place from June 4-6 in Long Beach,
CA
WHAT: NRF PROTECT convenes retail industry
experts from loss prevention, asset protection, cybersecurity, digital fraud and
risk management to address retail security risks and experience the latest tools
to protect retail customers, employees, assets, reputations and brands.
WHO: NRF PROTECT fosters collaboration among
retailers, law enforcement and solution providers from around the world. This
year's event includes more than 90 speakers and 220 exhibitors. Featured
speakers include:
•
Rich Agostino, senior vice president and chief
information security officer, Target
•
Sean Browne, senior manager, organized retail crime, The Home Depot
•
Jeff Blunk, director of investigations, Nordstrom
•
Diane Brown, vice president, IT risk management, Ulta Beauty
•
Herm Edwards, football analyst, ESPN
•
Dean Henrico, senior vice president of asset protection, Loblaw
Companies Limited
•
Paul Jaeckle, vice president, asset protection and safety, Meijer
•
Torrey Kingcade,
intelligence analyst, DOJ-FBI
•
Mahveen Mohiuddin, VP, risk management,
North America, LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton Inc.
•
Kevin Morrison, director of loss prevention, fraud and payments risk,
Helzberg Diamonds
•
Amy Nofziger, director fraud victim support and AARP fraud watch
network, AARP
•
Karen Osorio, head of security and compliance-Americas, H&M
•
Adam Parks, deputy special agent in charge, Homeland Security
Investigations
•
Claire Rushton, crimes against the business, global investigations,
senior director, Walmart
•
Mark Tomallo, chief information security officer, Victoria's Secret &
Co.
See a full list of speakers
here.
Lowe's Goes All In On AI
Lowe's CEO explains why the company is partnering with Big Tech
Ellison said Lowe's works with Nvidia on AI
technology that helps with "sourcing logic, inventory planning, pricing."
In
a Tuesday interview with CNBC's Jim Cramer, Lowe's CEO Marvin Ellison described
the home improvement retailer's
partnerships with Big Tech companies like Apple and Nvidia.
"We've had great work with Nvidia on AI and AI technology that we're using
within our stores, and so we're just excited about all the possibilities
that's in front of us," Ellison said. "We've got 50-plus active AI models, we
have used it for, you know, sourcing logic, inventory planning, pricing -
our focus is on creating an environment that's easier to sell, shop and work."
Ellison said Lowe's offers a
Chat GPT plugin that aims to better assist customers, adding the
company also has a program designed for Apple's Vision Pro. Lowe's
announced in February it launched a product for the virtual reality
headset that aims to help customers better visualize their improvement projects.
Lowe's archrival Home Depot has delved into the artificial intelligence space in
a partnership with Alphabet. In April, Home Depot
announced it would extend its "relationship" with Google Cloud to enhance a
number of functions, including data analytics so it can "gain deeper insights
into customer preferences and needs."
cnbc.com
The Latest Retail War
Bargain-Hunting Shoppers Drive Price Wars Among Retailers
The retail industry is reportedly witnessing a fierce battle among major players
as they compete for the attention of bargain-hunting shoppers. For example,
Target's recently announced price cuts on thousands of items in response to
weak quarterly results reflects the intense competition in the market as
retailers strive to attract and retain cost-conscious consumers, CNBC reported
Wednesday.
This struggle is not unique to Target, as other retailers are also facing
similar challenges, the report said. Walmart has been actively engaging in
price-cutting strategies to attract shoppers. The company reported a 45%
increase in its grocery "rollbacks" in April, along with the introduction of a
new premium grocery brand featuring items priced under $5, per the report.
Similarly, Aldi recently reduced prices on over 250 items, including
popular products like chicken, steak, granola bars and frozen blueberries,
according to the report. The trend of offering low prices extends beyond
retailers to fast-food chains. McDonald's plans to launch a limited-time $5
value meal in June to cater to customers who find fast food prices too high, the
report said.
pymnts.com
Former Walmart CEO sounds the alarm on a growing problem
Walmart announced in March that it would work to reduce the price of food back
down to pre-inflationary levels, a move it says has only helped it in the
long-run. But not everybody is enthusiastic about the low price party.
Former Walmart U.S. CEO Bill Simon indicated that Walmart's newest high-income
customers may just be adding to a bigger problem down the line that may
actually hurt those who need price reductions the most.
thestreet.com
Best Buy, Amazon capture over 50% of consumer electronics spend
How Should Costco Deal With Non-Members?
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All the News - One Place - One Source - One Time
Thanks to our sponsors/partners - Take the time to thank them as well please.
If it wasn't for them The Daily wouldn't be here every day for you.
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What's
Small And Round And Makes Lots Of Sound?
The Tick-R-Tape Tag and Super Mini Tape Tag!
The
Tick-R-Tape Tag can be used alone with just the base or secured to the
package with conductive tape or a conductive label, creating additional alarm
capabilities. It can replace wire package wraps and "keepers". When the
merchandise goes through the POS, the associate keeps the tag and leaves the
base and tape on the package to go home with the customer for removal later,
with no damaged packaging. Through testing and research with the LPRC, it has
been established that the customers are not bothered by that and actually feel
better knowing the package had not been opened by others. See the report on our
website, or in the LPRC knowledge Center.
This tag has 6-alarm capability when using 2-pieces of conductive tape and can
self-alarm out the door while activating the EAS pedestals. Its 98 dBl alarm can
be heard throughout the store. The Tick-R-Tape Tag uses our handheld decoder to
deactivate the alarm before removing it from the package. This will prevent
unauthorized detachers from being used. The Tick-R-Tape Tag has unlimited life
due to having a replaceable battery. It is water resistant and cannot be
"jumped". With our new modifications, the Tick-R-Tape Tag can be used with the
new Gen6 SP on large, boxed goods like vacuums.
The
Super Mini Tape Tag can protect most items, with or without using the
conductive tape or label. Prevent shoplifters from taking the product out of the
box and leaving JUST the box! Use the Super Mini Tape Tag to keep all the
components together. It is perfect for small fragrances and electronics.
The
Tick-R-Tape Tag can provide up to 630% more available shelf space compared to
keepers and can provide up to 33% more available shelf space compared to small
wire package wraps. Both the Tick-R-Tape Tag and the Super Mini Tape Tag can be
placed anywhere on the package to optimize merchandising and visual appeal.
Reduce shrinkage, increase available shelf space, reduce check-out time by up
to 50%, and reduce labor at the front end.
We may not stop shoplifting in its tracks, we can deter, displace, and slow down
thieves from targeting your stores by using the CIS Tape Tag solutions.
Call 772-287-7999 or visit
www.cisssinc.com for more
information on these and other solutions from CIS Security solutions.
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As Retailers Shift Online, Cybersecurity
Challenges Rise
Spotlight on retail cybersecurity challenges: strategies for protection
Retail businesses face serious cybersecurity
challenges in a digital age where data breaches and cyber threats constantly
loom.
Retail organizations are experiencing a profound evolution as they transition
from classic in-person storefronts to the digital realm.
The increase in cyberattacks and this shift have highlighted the crucial
pivot from tangible security strategies to constructing secure online defences,
particularly in high stake environments such as online casinos, where
progressive casino jackpots attract substantial digital traffic and financial
transactions.
In response to their migration into cyberspace, retail businesses - and
similarly, online gaming platforms - recognise an increasing need for
extensive and robust security measures to protect against potential cyber
threats and ensure the integrity of both user data and financial
transactions.
Confronting cyber attackers is now a critical issue for those in the
retail sector.
THE PROLIFERATION OF E-COMMERCE PLATFORMS
The fast growth of online stores has led to new cybersecurity risks. Many stores
say cybersecurity is their top worry when going online. Around 34% fear
attacks and data breaches.
As more shops go online, their customer data becomes an
inviting target for hackers. So tracking retail cybersecurity stats
is crucial for dealing with threats.
To stay safe, stores must conduct security testing often. Regular testing
helps meet rules like PCI DSS and boosts defenses against attacks.
The rise of online shops means security operations have changed. Robust
controls are vital to stop data breaches from happening.
FOLLOW THE RULES - PCI DSS AND GDPR retailtechinnovationhub.com
Rebuilding Trust Is Key After Retail Breaches
How retailers can rebuild trust after a consumer data breach
Retailers have spent decades bolstering their digital posture to keep up
with consumer demand for heightened experiences.
However, these rapid digital transformation initiatives have posed
considerable cybersecurity risks for retail enterprises and their customers.
In fact, the retail industry has indeed been victim to cybersecurity threats in
recent years.
Some experts suggest that 84% of retail organizations
are at risk of cyberattack, making it the third-most targeted
industry behind the financial services and healthcare sectors. Also, each
incident costs retailers valuable time and money. Companies spend $2.5 million
per incident on average and take roughly 197 days to detect breaches.
Despite these shocking statistics, many retail enterprises have struggled to
revamp their cyber strategies. Some organizations don't know where to start.
Others may not think the business risk warrants increased investment. But with
mounting regulatory scrutiny from agencies like the Federal Trade Commission and
equally increasing concern from the public, retailers need to bolster their
cybersecurity agendas.
Security gaps and threat vectors
The majority of retail breaches occur because of poor cybersecurity hygiene.
It is estimated that basic security hygiene protects against 99% of attacks,
according to Microsoft. This includes enabling multi-factor authentication
(MFA), implementing zero-trust principles, utilizing detection and response
(XDR) and anti-malware technology, and patching and protecting data.
Retailers have inadvertently created gaps across their value chains and
channels due to a lack of critical controls. And cyber criminals are well
aware of the cracks in retailers' armor. Over 10% of all attacks in 2023
targeted retailers and wholesalers.
chainstoreage.com
Criminals Using Windows Feature to Steal Info
Windows' new Recall feature: A privacy and security nightmare?
Microsoft has announced the Copilot+ line of Windows 11-powered PCs that, among
other things, will have Recall, a feature that takes screenshots every few
seconds, encrypts them, saves them, and leverages AI to allow users to
search through them for specific content that has been viewed in apps, websites,
documents, etc.
Security and privacy professionals, who are used to viewing technological
solutions and new features through an attacker's lens, have immediately
pinpointed its possible disadvantages.
Kevin Beaumont thinks the feature will be a boon for criminals using
information-stealing malware. "The whole thing is a truly terrible idea that
will allow AI to super power fraudsters - just steal the Recall database,
instead of just the local browser password database," he noted.
Even if the database can't be exfiltrated, there are info-stealers out there
that use optical character recognition (OCR) to extract sensitive text from
images/screenshots.
helpnetsecurity.com
YouTube has become a significant channel for cybercrime
While all social media is a natural breeding ground for scams, YouTube has
become a significant channel for crime. According to telemetry from Avast, 4
million unique users were protected against threats on YouTube in 2023, and
approximately 500,000 were protected in January-March 2024.
Automated advertising systems combined with user-generated content provides a
gateway for cybercriminals to bypass conventional security measures, making
YouTube a potent channel for deploying phishing and malware. Notable threats
on the platform include credential stealers like Lumma and Redline, phishing and
scam landing pages, and malicious software disguised as legitimate software or
updates.
Scammers have also turned heavily to videos as lures. Whether from stock
footage or an elaborate deepfake, scammers are using all video varieties in
their threats. One of the most widespread techniques involves exploiting famous
individuals and significant media events to attract large audiences.
helpnetsecurity.com
Enterprises are embracing AI. But can they secure it?
eBook: 10 reasons why demand for cloud security is sky-high |
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Cannabis Businesses Top Target for Burglaries
Increase in Cannabis Business Burglaries and Break-Ins
In recent months, there has been an uptick cannabis business burglaries and
theft across the United States and Canada. As a result, many areas that
permit cannabis have released advisories notifying cannabis businesses about
this increase and providing guidance on how to better prevent theft. This is
especially true in states and provinces that have been hit the hardest as
regulatory agencies attempt to bring robbery and burglary rates down to normal
levels to avoid unnecessary risk to cannabis businesses.
Where
Is This Occurring?
Recently, the US states of Michigan, Colorado, Washington, and the Canadian
province of Ontario have released advisory bulletins warning cannabis businesses
of new trends in crime centered around these businesses. In essence, the
advisory bulletins spell out exactly which type of businesses have been
targeted, what methods thieves have been using to breach the premises, and what
clues to look out for to ensure a better shot at prevention.
Popular Methods to Robbery & Burglary
These recent advisory bulletins warn cannabis businesses of quick hitting
smash-and-grab type burglaries. Typically, a business will be cased and
studied by individuals who will then wait until after business hours to attempt
to breach the premises. The criminals usually wait in vehicles parked near the
premises, typically on the outer edges with multiple individuals in the car.
Once the individuals determine it is safe to do so, they will send one person
who will attempt to open a back door or window with a tool such as a crowbar or
a hammer. Once the building or premise is breached, the rest of the individuals
will rush over and, in a short amount of time, grab what they can from inside
the business to escape before law enforcement can respond to alarms. While this
is a currently popular method of burglary in North America, it is just one of
many examples of how criminals can burglarize a cannabis business.
Fraud Risks for Cannabis Businesses
While it is true that theft is the leading issue surrounding physical
security at cannabis businesses, fraud is another potential vulnerability in
which the diversion of cash or cannabis products can happen. In late September,
Michigan warned cannabis businesses of fraud targeting cannabis businesses that
take large orders from third-party vendors and buyers. In this case, individuals
would place fraudulent orders through retailers and distributors by pretending
to be a licensed cannabis company and then have them delivered to third-party
locations. While due diligence and simple verification systems should be able to
mitigate this risk, this scenario serves as a reminder that the theft of
cannabis can come in many different forms.
sapphirerisk.com
Loosening Federal Pot Restrictions
The Impact of Biden's Move to Reclassify Marijuana
President Joe Biden announced on May 16 that his administration would proceed
with reclassifying cannabis from a Schedule I drug to a Schedule III drug.
This rescheduling would not make the good leaf legal at
a federal level. However, it could make it easier to research the
plant.
Currently,
the Controlled Substances Act
requires an individual who wishes to conduct research on Schedule I drugs to
register with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). If approval for
research is granted, researchers must source their cannabis from the National
Institute on Drug Abuse Drug Supply Program or cannabis and cannabis products
may be imported from other countries with the proper authorizations.
Industry insiders expect that if cannabis is reclassified, demand and
interest in marijuana research will grow because physical (or perceived)
barriers will be removed.
"It'll make researchers within universities or hospitals or even private
companies better-armed to say, 'We should be doing this, and we can be doing
this,'" said attorney Eric Berlin, leader of the U.S. and global cannabis teams
at the law firm Dentons to
MJBizDaily.
The proverbial ball is now in the DEA's court to review.
ehstoday.com
Cannabis legalization coincided with uptick in ER visits from seniors: study
A new study has linked the legalization of cannabis with a rise in the number
of Ontario seniors visiting emergency rooms.
The number of people aged 65 and over checking into ERs in Ontario for what
amounted to cannabis poisoning grew sharply over an eight-year period,
particularly after cannabis was legalized, according to the report published
Monday in the peer-reviewed medical journal JAMA Internal Medicine.
"These are people very sick to the point where health-care practitioners,
without knowing that they've consumed cannabis, consider other serious
health conditions, like stroke, serious infection (and) serious metabolic
abnormalities."
ctvnews.ca
Top US drug agency a notable holdout in Biden's push to loosen pot restrictions
California's biggest cannabis delivery company faces foreclosure
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Spending $1.2B To Detect Counterfeits
Amazon seized more than 7 million fake goods last year
The e-commerce giant said it spent more than
$1.2 billion to detect counterfeits and other types of fraud
Amazon is continuing to crack down on fake goods. The
e-commerce giant seized and disposed of over 7 million counterfeit products
worldwide in 2023, according to the company's latest Brand Protection
Report.
"That's critical because that stops products from ever going to our customers
and oftentimes even hitting our fulfillment centers," said Kebharu Smith,
Amazon's Counterfeit Crimes Unit (CCU) director.
In 2023, Amazon spent over $1.2 billion and employed
roughly 15,000 employees to combat counterfeits, fraud, and other
forms of abuse, Smith said.
Last year, Amazon prevented 700,000 bad actors from creating new seller
accounts and selling products online altogether. Since its launch in 2020,
the CCU has pursued legal action and/or reported to law enforcement more than
21,000 bad actors around the world.
"That impacts innovators, designers, creators and small businesses," said Smith,
who previously served on the DOJ's Computer Crime and Intellectual Property
Section (CCIPS).
Oftentimes counterfeiters are working with other types
of criminals such as terrorists, human traffickers, and money launderers,
he added.
Amazon's fake goods crack down has only increased since its launch four years
ago. In 2022, the
company seized roughly 6 million fake goods. In 2021, the
company got hold off 3 million fake products. In 2020,
the company seized 2 million.
qz.com
AI Will Be Incorporated Into 'More
Controversial' Version of Alexa
Amazon plans to give Alexa an AI overhaul - and a monthly subscription price
It comes as OpenAI unveiled a chatbot that
can have two-way conversations, while Alexa is still widely used for kitchen
timers and announcing the weather.
Amazon is upgrading its decade-old Alexa voice assistant with generative
artificial intelligence and plans to charge a monthly subscription fee to
offset the cost of the technology, according to people with knowledge of
Amazon's plans.
The Seattle-based tech and retail giant will launch a more conversational
version of Alexa later this year, potentially positioning it to better
compete with new generative AI-powered chatbots from companies including Google
and OpenAI, according to two sources familiar with the matter, who asked not to
be named because the discussions were private.
While Amazon wowed consumers with Alexa's voice-driven tasks in 2014, its
capabilities could seem old-fashioned amid recent leaps in artificial
intelligence. Last week, OpenAI announced GPT-4o, with the capability for
two-way conversations that can go significantly deeper than Alexa. For example,
it can translate conversations into different languages in real time. Google
launched a similar generative-AI-powered voice feature for Gemini.
cnbc.com
Upcoming Amazon facility is already having an impact on Roanoke, say city
officials
Google Pay Expands BNPL and Says Goodbye to the CVV With Biometrics |
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Burien, WA: Feds seize over 74,000 suspected stolen items from Burien storefront
A
federal complaint filed by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District
of Washington details the seizure of over 74,000 items suspected to be stolen
merchandise recovered from a closed storefront in Burien, as well as a nearby
warehouse and a residence in Federal Way. According to the complaint,
investigators conducted undercover operations at the Burien storefront located
at 13622 1st Ave South, purchasing items identified as potentially stolen.
Additionally, authorities linked similar products sold online to two King County
residents. "This case highlights the concerning trend of retail theft impacting
our communities," Steven Schrank, Deputy Special-Agent-in-Charge with Homeland
Security Investigations (HSI) told Fox13. Search warrants were executed in
December 2023 at all three locations mentioned in the complaint. The seized
items, believed to be stolen from various retailers including Target, Walmart,
and CVS, totaled more than 74,000. Schrank elaborated that the recovered
merchandise included healthcare products, beauty supplies, and tools. "These are
not items we would want our families unknowingly purchasing online," Schrank
added. "This is especially concerning when dealing with medications and health
and beauty products." Documents indicate that one online account linked to
the investigation generated over $2.4 million in sales between January 2022 and
June 2023, with over 74,000 transactions.
b-townblog.com
Aurora, ON, Canada: York Police arrest 88 people, lay 169 charges in organized
retail theft operation
York Regional Police have shared the results of their Booster Initiative, a
project formed to combat organized retail theft. The project operated from Jan.
1 to March 1 and concentrated on 16 different retail chains, including
pharmacies and clothing stores, police said. 88 people were arrested and 169
charges were laid by the investigators. Police allege that some of the suspects
used violence and weapons in the robberies. Merchandise valued at $114,250
was reportedly recovered from a total of more than $333,000 worth of stolen
goods. The suspects apparently used clothing or bags that had foil linings
that were designed to "defeat" in-store security measures, which police say are
often referred to as "booster bags." Investigators collaborated with Royal
Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and police
services from Barrie, Durham, Halton, and Toronto. York police said that
while working with the RCMP and CBSA, similar offences outside Ontario were
reported and merchandise from those robberies was transported to the Greater
Toronto Area for illegal resales.
thestar.com
Colorado Springs, CO: Police recover nearly 1,000 gallons of stolen gas
The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) said it personnel recovered nearly
1,000 gallons of stolen fuel after investigating fuel siphoning at gas stations
across Colorado. According to CSPD, detectives have been investigating a pattern
of fuel siphoning at gas stations across Colorado where a specially outfitted
van would siphon hundreds of gallons of fuel at a time. The fuel was then sold
to the community at a discounted price. On Tuesday, May 21 CSPD Detectives with
the help of Homeland Security Investigators, EPSO SWAT, and CSPD Tactical
Enforcement Unit executed search warrants at two addresses. CSPD said during the
search officers recovered 909.8 gallons of alleged stolen fuel with a rough
value of $3,238, multiple vehicles related to the thefts, and other evidence of
the crimes.
fox21news.com
San Antonio, TX: 53-year-old woman arrested in retail theft ring operation
A
53-year-old woman was arrested Tuesday in connection with several retail thefts
at stores in the San Antonio area. Police received reports of a group of people
stealing merchandise from retailers in May 2024. Loss prevention employees from
TJ Maxx and Marshall's set up a surveillance operation for two weeks. Police
said the employees took photos and videos of two women stealing items before the
suspects returned to a hotel room to store them and sell them to third parties.
On Monday, one of the women took some of the stolen items from the hotel to a
restaurant, where she sold the items to a man and Beatrice Rodriguez Francis,
who were eventually stopped by police and detained, according to an arrest
affidavit. Francis told police that the woman who sold her the merchandise being
stored at the hotel was her daughter, according to the affidavit. She admitted
to having bought items from her daughter several times and reselling the stolen
items at work for a profit, police said. Officers obtained written consent to
search Francis' and the man's apartment, where they found $700 worth of stolen
merchandise and drugs, according to the affidavit. Police said they got a search
warrant for the hotel room and found $2,000 worth of stolen items and drugs.
SAPD said Francis is part of a criminal conspiracy with three other people who
have allegedly committed theft in an amount that exceeds $2,500 but less than
$30,000.
ksat.com
Colorado Springs, CO: Colorado Springs business needs help identifying
shoplifting suspects
A
local business is asking for your help to figure out who allegedly stole
thousands of dollars worth of merchandise from them earlier this month. The
suspects were caught on camera and now the owners of Blue Spruce Mercantile in
Colorado Springs hope someone can recognize them. According to Tareja Mitchem,
Co-Owner of Blue Spruce Mercantile, she and her husband opened the shop in the
fall of 2023, with the idea of being able to help their community by offering
affordable prices on liquidation and overstock merchandise. But in early May,
that all changed when according to Mitchem, shoplifters allegedly stole
thousands of dollars worth of merchandise, twice, and it was all caught on
camera.
fox21news.com
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Shootings & Deaths
Austin, TX: Austin Police fatally shoot man seen making a bomb at a C-store
during a standoff
A man seen pouring lighter fluid around an Austin, Texas, convenience store and
then making a homemade bomb during an hours-long standoff was fatally shot by an
officer, according to police. The man, whose name was not released, was armed
and had entered the store just after 12:30 p.m. Tuesday after police saw him
driving a reportedly stolen vehicle, according to interim Police Chief Robin
Henderson. Officers went into the store, but backed out after the man refused to
obey their order to drop the gun and leave, Henderson said. An employee who had
fled told them another employee was inside a locked office in the store. The man
fired several times at police, who later observed him pouring lighter fluid on a
counter and around the store, according to Henderson. Shortly before 5 p.m.,
Henderson said, police saw the man making a homemade bomb, commonly known as a
Molotov cocktail. "Officers determined the suspect's incendiary device,
especially if used in the area where the suspect had poured the lighter fluid,
posed an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury to the employee still
trapped inside the store," and one officer shot the man, Henderson said. The
suspect was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead, Henderson said. No
one else was injured in the shooting or the standoff.
spectrumlocalnews.com
Tallahassee, FL: TPD investigating fatal Friday night shooting outside Circle K
A man was shot and killed outside of a gas station Friday night, sending
Tallahassee into its second weekend tainted by fatal gunfire. The Tallahassee
Police Department arrived just before 11 p.m. to the Circle K at 2683 North
Monroe Street where they found a man who "succumbed to his injuries on scene,"
according to a TPD social media update.
tallahassee.com
Baltimore, MD: Update: 19-year-old pleads guilty in Canton T-Mobile store
murder, other armed robberies
A 19-year-old from Baltimore has pleaded guilty to fatally shooting an employee
of a T-Mobile store in Canton last April during an armed robbery that capped
what authorities described as a rash of stickups. Fabian Alberto Sanchez
Gonzalez was working at the T-Mobile store on Boston Street in the afternoon of
April 30, 2023, when two assailants burst in, announced a robbery and shot him
one time, police said at the time. Sanchez, 23, died the next day at a hospital.
Arthur McCaden pleaded guilty Thursday to first-degree murder, armed robbery and
use of a firearm in a crime of violence in Gonzalez's killing, which marked the
deadly end to a series of robberies.
baltimoresun.com
San Antonio, TX: Man fatally shot in Family Dollar parking lot while meeting
someone on behalf of his mother
A man was shot outside of a closed Family Dollar store on the west side of town
while trying to meet someone on behalf of his mother, according to police. He
died at the hospital, according to officials, San Antonio Police responded to
the 5800 block of Culebra Road around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday for reports of a
shooting in progress outside of the Family Dollar store, which was closed. A
sergeant on the scene says two men approached the man's truck and asked for his
name. The victim told officers he felt uncomfortable and tried to drive away,
but the two suspects opened fire at his truck. He was shot twice in the back.
kens5.com
Chattanooga, TN: Police Find 36 Shell Casings At Shallowford Road Convenience
Store; Pair Arrested
Police located 36 shell casings at the scene of a shooting at the Kanku's
convenience store on Monday night. One person was hit during a furious round of
shots at a vehicle that was exiting the gas pumps. The injury was not
life-threatening. Police said the lot was busy at the time with customers coming
and going.
Dominique Lebron Collins, 36, of 2628 Andrews St., was charged with attempted
first-degree murder, reckless endangerment, possession of a firearm during the
commission of a felony and possession of illegal drugs.
chattanoogan.com
Robberies, Incidents & Thefts
Tallahassee, FL: Former Mayoral Candidate arrested in Armed Robbery of a Dollar
General store
A 2022 mayoral candidate was arrested after allegedly robbing a Dollar General
store and attempting to disguise himself as an employee before escaping with
cash stuffed in his pockets, according to court records. Police found Whitfield
Leland, 44, by following a trail of cash spewing from his pockets that led to
where he was hiding in the wooded area at the intersection of North Bronough and
West Georgia streets. Leland was arrested Monday on multiple charges including
robbery with a firearm, grand theft of a firearm, possession of a firearm by a
convicted felon and resisting an officer without violence. He is being held in
the Leon County Detention Facility.
tallahassee.com
St Lawrence County, NY: D.A. announces conviction of Ogdensburg man for Armed
Robbery at Family Dollar Store
Brownsville, TX: Suspect in Sunrise Mall Jewelry Store Robbery Faces Judge
Acworth, GA: Suspect in armed robbery of Georgia fast food restaurant captured
more than 300 miles away
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•
Adult - Lincoln, NE -
Burglary
•
C-Store - Stark
County, OH - Armed Robbery
•
C-Store - Colorado
Springs, CO - Armed Robbery
•
C-Store - Springfield,
MO - Armed Robbery
•
C-Store- Orange
County, CA - Armed Robbery
•
C-Store - Leon County,
FL - Armed Robbery
•
C-Store - Houston, TX
- Armed Robbery
•
C-Store - Anne Arundel
County, MD - Armed Robbery
•
Jewelry - Farmington, CT - Robbery
•
Jewelry - Tulsa, OK - Robbery
•
Jewelry - Wayne, NJ - Robbery
•
Jewelry - Chicago, IL - Burglary
•
Jewelry - Metairie, LA - Robbery
•
Restaurant - Acworth,
GA - Armed Robbery
•
Target - Irvine, CA -
Robbery
•
Tobacco - Rochester,
MN -Armed Robbery
•
Tobacco - Smithfield,
NC - Armed Robbery
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Daily Totals:
• 15 robberies
• 2 burglaries
• 0 shootings
• 0 killed |
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Click map to enlarge
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None to report.
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Submit Your New Hires/Promotions or New Position
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Featured Job Spotlights
An
Industry Obligation - Staffing 'Best in Class' Teams
Every one has a role to play in building an
industry.
Filled your job? Any good candidates left over?
Help Your Colleagues - Your Industry - Build
a 'Best in Class' Community
Refer the Best & Build the Best
Quality - Diversity - Industry Obligation
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Regional Loss Prevention Manager
Indiana
-
Posted May 9
The Regional Manager of Loss Prevention, Audit & Firearms
Compliance is a leadership role that will evaluate and reduce shrink for the
stores and facilities assigned in their region by conducting internal and
external investigations and resolving all matters that jeopardize or cause
losses to the company and its assets. Regional Loss Prevention Managers are also
responsible for conducting field audits for store and firearm compliance...
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Dir. Security & Interactive Video Support
Plano, TX -
Posted
April 18
The Director of Security and Interactive Video Support is
responsible for leading a team of security support personnel that provide
end/end support for managed Intrusion and Video services offerings. This
position is responsible for managing & leading a team that owns all aspects of
the restoration and support processes required for the customers that Interface
provides a broad set of asset protection services to...
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Multi-Store Detective (Pittsburgh Operating Market)
Pittsburgh, PA -
Posted
April 9
Job Summary: Store Detectives are key players in serving
their assigned locations in the detection and apprehension of shoplifters. Job
Responsibilities: Detect and apprehend shoplifters with the use of standard
visual practice and CCTV in multi-store environment; Utilize CCTV to create
video records of incidents requested by law enforcement and internal
departments...
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Multi-Store Detective (Cleveland Operating Market)
Cleveland, OH -
Posted
April 9
Job Summary: Store Detectives are key players in serving
their assigned locations in the detection and apprehension of shoplifters. Job
Responsibilities: Detect and apprehend shoplifters with the use of standard
visual practice and CCTV in multi-store environment; Utilize CCTV to create
video records of incidents requested by law enforcement and internal
departments...
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Multi-Store Detective (Akron/Canton Operating Market)
Akron/Canton, OH -
Posted
April 9
Job Summary: Store Detectives are key players in serving
their assigned locations in the detection and apprehension of shoplifters. Job
Responsibilities: Detect and apprehend shoplifters with the use of standard
visual practice and CCTV in multi-store environment; Utilize CCTV to create
video records of incidents requested by law enforcement and internal
departments...
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The first step to having a successful mentoring experience is to change your
definitions about it as it doesn't have to be a long-term commitment and it can
even be for a specific project, a specific incident, or even for a specific
weakness that you may have. The point is, while you may have the desire to find
one, you may want to consider how you can be one for someone as well. A
successful mentoring program offers an executive an oasis, a place of safety and
trust, a place where you can get answers and advice about your own career. Just
remember pay it forward and return the good deed.
Just a Thought, Gus
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