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 5/23/24

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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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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.

AdvertisementCurrently, 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 

 

Daily Totals:
• 15 robberies
• 2 burglaries
• 0 shootings
• 0 killed


 



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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...




Dir. Security & Interactive Video Support
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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...



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...



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...



 


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.  


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