Shoplifting Surges 45% in Chicago
Illinois retailers, communities suffer from shoplifting and robbery spikes
Business owners and taxpayers are paying a big price for retail theft. According to CWBChicago, shoplifting reports have soared 45% this year, making 2024 the worst year for retail theft in the city since at least 2003. Illinois Retail Merchants Association President and CEO Rob Karr told The Center Square that the burglaries and thefts are troubling.

"It continues to create significant financial and psychological harm not only to the people who own and manage the businesses, but to the people who work there. It is a clear factor in hiring difficulties, particularly within the city of Chicago, as people are worried about their own safety," Karr said.

Capital One Shopping estimated that Illinois lost nearly $3 billion in revenue to theft in 2022. The retail thefts cost Illinois an estimated $185 million in tax revenue. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed legislation in 2022 that gave the Illinois Attorney General and other law enforcement agencies more tools against organized retail theft.

Karr and the Illinois Retail Merchants Association supported House Bill 1091, which was also known as the INFORM Act. The law took effect on January 1, 2023.

Despite rising numbers of reported thefts, Karr said there may not be any need for new laws.

"In terms of policy, I think the policies are in place to do this. Could there be tweaks? Maybe, but let's give the opportunities for the changes that were made to fully take effect," Karr explained.

Illinois Restaurant Association President and CEO Sam Toia provided The Center Square with a statement, saying, "Crime is an issue here in Chicago and in all urban areas throughout the United States. We would love to see more presence of officers and security guards throughout our 77 communities. Officer presence serves as a strong deterrent."

CWBChicago suggested that increased crime reporting may be contributing to the surge of shoplifting cases in Chicago. In addition, CWB data and police records show that proximity to migrant shelters may be contributing to increases at some stores.  gazette.com


The Theft-Fueled Shopper Exodus
Locking up items to deter shoplifting is pushing shoppers online
Locking up merchandise at drugstores and discount retailers hasn't curbed retail theft but is driving frustrated consumers to shop online more, retail experts tell Axios.

Why it matters: Retail crime is eating into retailers' profits and high theft rates are also leading to a rise in store closures. Secured cases can cause sales to drop 15% to 25%, Joe Budano, CEO of anti-theft technology company Indyme, previously told Axios.

The big picture: Aisles full of locked plexiglass cases are common at many CVS and Walgreens stores where consumers have to wait for an employee to unlock them. Target, Walmart, Dollar General and other retailers have also pulled back on self-checkout to deter shoplifting.

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy spoke of the "speed and ease" of ordering online versus walking into pharmacies on a call with investors last week. "It's a pretty tough experience with how much is locked behind cabinets, where you have to press a button to get somebody to come out and open the cabinets for you," Jassy said.

CVS spokesperson Amy Thibault told Axios that the chain uses "a variety of different measures to deter or prevent theft and locking a product is a measure of last resort." "Different products experience different theft rates, depending on store location and other factors, and our product protection decisions are data driven," Thibault said.

But there is some debate about how deep the problem is and if retailers are using theft as a scapegoat for other challenges.  axios.com


Retail Theft Bills Finally Advance After Month of Stalling
California lawmakers move forward with stalled set of retail theft bills
The bills had been stalled for more than a month after Democratic leaders unsuccessfully tried to use it as a bargaining chip to negotiate the crime-related initiative off of the November ballot. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle seemed relieved the bills were making progress again.

"I have met with many groups in my community from police chiefs, small business owners who really need us to step up on this issue and I'm so proud we're pushing this package forward," said State Sen. Susan Rubio, D- West Covina.

In the state senate, debate was brief. Some Democrats were divided over one of the bills that creates a new crime for organized retail thieves.

"This measure and others like it are making our communities unsafe because these measures deepen mass incarceration," said State Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, D- Los Angeles.

"I firmly believe that our communities no matter if you live in the Humboldt coast or down in Temecula- your community will be safer based off of the action that was taken by the legislature," said Senate Pro Tem Mike McGuire after the votes.

Republicans are bracing for Democrats to use the bills to campaign against the ballot initiative now known as Proposition 36. The initiative asks Californians to raise penalties for repeat thieves and fentanyl dealers.

Lawmakers are expected to send the bills to the governor's desk on Monday. kcra.com

   RELATED: Watch out Prop 36


Retail Security Tax Credit Hopes to Push Stores to Invest in Security
What Retailers Need to Know About Using New York's Retail Security Tax Credit
On April 20, 2024, the New York State legislature passed its annual budget measure for fiscal year 2025, which addresses multiple priorities and enacts key proposals from Governor Kathy Hochul. Of significance to New York business owners, workers and consumers, the measure includes a new Retail Security Tax Credit, which for tax years 2024 and 2025 will provide assistance to businesses for investing in necessary equipment to protect their employees and merchandise.

The introduction of the Retail Security Tax Credit is a significant step toward addressing the growing issue of retail theft in New York State. Each year, retailers throughout the state of New York lose around $4.4 billion from various kinds of thefts. The financial burden of theft on retailers is substantial, and this tax credit aims to alleviate some of that pressure by incentivizing businesses to invest in robust security measures. By doing so, it not only helps protect the merchandise but also ensures the safety of employees and customers.

Moreover, the comprehensive approach taken by Gov. Hochul's administration, which includes increased penalties for offenders and enhanced support for law enforcement, underscores the seriousness with which the state is tackling organized retail crime. The budget agreement includes the new tax credit among Gov. Hochul's five-point policy plan aimed at creating more secure environments for both businesses and consumers.

To be eligible for this tax credit, a business must meet these requirements: retailtouchpoints.com


One of the Top Products for ORC?
Here's why thieves are stealing Lego sets

Legos are popular among thieves because of their street value. The toys are easy to sell and hard to trace.

Police say Legos are being targeted by both organized crime rings and individual shoplifters. Often, thieves steal to feed a drug habit. "They need to get cash every day to get their next fix," said Chief Andrew Shearer of the Springfield Police Department. "You have to turn and burn and steal things to make cash to buy the drugs."

Legos are popular among thieves because of their street value. The toys are easy to sell and hard to trace. Police reports showed stolen Lego sets listed on Facebook Marketplace and other online platforms. Often, they can be resold at close to the retail price, if in mint condition and unopened.

Some were sophisticated operations involving criminals who swapped out bar codes, while other criminals just walked out the front door.

Many large retailers lock up their Lego sets or use anti-theft devices, such as spider wrap. Spider wrap prevents thieves from opening Lego sets and removing the pieces. It also contains a device that can be detected by monitors located near the store entrance or exit in the event someone tries to steal the box of Legos.

Consumers can help too. Deeply discounted or suspicious-looking Lego sets found online or elsewhere are probably stolen, so don't buy them.  kgw.com


Connecticut: Lawmakers discuss statewide efforts against credit card skimming

72-hour wait period and other new gun laws go into effect in Maine
 

Chicago, IL: Brazen Smash-and-Grab Strikes Prada Amid Chicago DNC Preparations
The dramatic streets of Chicago turned chaotic early Saturday morning when a group of thieves executed a brazen smash-and-grab heist at the iconic Prada store located on the city's lavish Gold Coast. This audacious theft happened just days before the city gears up as the host for the 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC), set to take place from August 19 to 22. The smash-and-grab incident raises not only alarm bells for local law enforcement but also significant concerns about security and crime as the city prepares for the influx of thousands of visitors. According to the Chicago Police Department, the strike occurred at approximately 5:30 AM, with three to four masked individuals smashing through the front glass door of the luxury retailer. Eyewitness reports highlighted the rapidity of the incident, with thieves shaking off security measures, shattering display windows, and quickly absconding with merchandise worth thousands of dollars.  evrimagaci.org


Los Angeles, CA: $100,000 in Sneakers and Apparel Stolen from South LA Store, Police Probe Possible Link to Encino Burglary
Early Friday morning, a South Los Angeles sneaker store fell victim to a high-stakes burglary, with thieves making off with an estimated $100,000 in merchandise and cash. According to CBS News Los Angeles, the affluent sneaker outpost known as Rich LA, stationed in the 2100 block of West Century Boulevard, was breached by at least five masked suspects around 3:25 a.m. The coordinated theft involved cutting through the store's metal security gate, shattering the glass window, and quickly absconding with high-end shoes and clothes. Reports suggest the culprits managed to swiftly load up a white Mercedes-Benz, a silver Camaro, and a white Corvette with the stolen goods-all devoid of license plates. This recent affront marks the seventh instance Rich LA has been robbed since its opening a mere two months prior. "They just broke in here and took a lot of stuff, shoes, clothes - high-end clothes," an employee named Kate told CBS.  hoodline.com


Los Angeles, CA: Flash mob of teens trash 7-Eleven in Pico-Robertson
Shocking surveillance video shows a flash mob robbery inside a 7-Eleven store Friday night in Pico-Roberston. In the video, dozens of young people can be seen overwhelming store employees. The surveillance video shows the vandals stuffing their hands with food, knocking over aisles, breaking the cash register, busting windows, and taking cigarettes. "They destroyed everything, even the coffee machine," said Aika, an employee. "They must have planned it online," said Michael Lambert, a security guard. "They didn't just randomly do it." Lambert said he was working security Friday night in the shopping center but left about an hour before the flash robbery occurred.  foxla.com


Los Angeles County, CA: Update: More arrests after brazen flash mob robbery at East L.A. Nike
Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies cracking down on flash mob robberies arrested 10 more people after a two-day undercover investigation of a recent heist at the Nike Community Store in East Los Angeles, officials announced this weekend. Investigators also recovered $3,000 worth of merchandise, and of those taken into custody, four were arrested for organized retail theft, according to the department. Two criminal street gangs are associated with the retail theft rings. The arrests come amid a rash of robberies at brand-name stores from Yves Saint Laurent in Glendale to Nordstrom in Canoga Park. Earlier this month, Mayor Karen Bass announced a new task force of local and federal agencies to target the crimes.  ca.news.yahoo.com


San Berardino County, CA: 2 in Trouble for Bar Code Switching on Sports Card Boxes
Two men have been arrested in Southern California in separate incidents involving the theft of sports cards by switching bar codes. it's the type of theft store security and law enforcement officers continue to battle. San Bernardino County Sheriff's deputies say the most recent incident began last month when Target security had detained a man for stealing boxes of baseball cards. A further investigation last week resulted in a search warrant for the man's home during which over $2,000 worth of cards were seized.   sportscollectorsdaily.com