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11/17/21	LP, AP & IT Security's #1 News Source	D-Ddaily.net

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Retail Loss Prevention:
2021 Trends & 2022 Best Practices

December 8, 2021 - 1:00pm EST

Join us for an engaging discussion with retail loss prevention experts about a look back at 2021 trends and how to plan ahead for 2022.

In this webinar, Jim Mires, Vice President Loss Prevention and Safety, Sally Beauty, Tim Lapinski, Divisional Vice President - Enterprise Risk Management, Helzberg, and Matt Smitheman, Sr. Solutions Consultant, Interface Security Systems, will discuss the following:

● Lessons learned in 2021 as loss prevention teams tackled COVID-19 and a dramatic shift towards e-commerce and BOPIS.

● How loss prevention professionals are addressing staffing shortages for the 2021 holiday season.

● Key challenges and priorities in 2022 - Steps loss prevention leaders can take to tackle ongoing security issues, supply chain delays, hiring challenges, and keep loss prevention teams motivated.

This webinar is presented by the LPF in partnership with Interface Security Systems and qualifies for 1 continuing education unit (CEU) towards your LPC recertification or CFI recertification.

The U.S. Crime Surge
The Retail Impact

INFORM Consumers Act Update
Retailers Support House Markup of Consumer Protection Bill

The INFORM Consumers Act Protects Consumers, Retail Employees and Communities from Criminals Selling Stolen and Counterfeit Goods

Washington, DC - The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) issued the following statement as the House Committee on Energy & Commerce begins marking up the INFORM Consumers Act, legislation that would require online marketplaces to collect and verify basic business information from sellers, making it harder for retail theft rings and con artists to peddle stolen and counterfeit goods on leading e-commerce platforms.

"This markup couldn't have come at a better time. As individuals and families get into the full swing of the holiday season, it's vital they are able to shop online with confidence. No one should be worried that the gifts they are buying are unsafe or illegitimate," said RILA Senior Executive Vice President, Public Affairs Michael Hanson.

"The INFORM Consumers Act would create better transparency and accountability for consumers shopping on e-commerce platforms. We thank the sponsors of the legislation, Reps. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) for their commitment to protecting consumers, businesses, and the retailers in their communities. This is the right legislative solution to tackle a serious and growing problem and we encourage its swift passage." Read more here

'Revolving Door' of Retail Criminals
Lawmaker has plan to stop New Mexico's 'revolving door' for criminals
Republican Rep. Rehm of Albuquerque knows the city's crime problem all too well. That's why he's proposing legislation during the upcoming session that he says would help tackle the surge of violence in the metro.

One of those proposals would make changes to pre-trial detention rules. Right now, the prosecutor has to prove why the defendant is a danger to the community.

However, Rehm wants to shift it to the defense saying they would have to prove why the defendant is safe to be out on the streets. "If you were involved in a crime of violence, or if you have a history of not appearing in court, or if you're out on bond or another charge and you commit another crime," said Rehm.

The Bernalillo County District Attorney and the Albuquerque Police Department have long been critical of what they call the "revolving door" allowing repeat and sometimes violent criminals back onto the streets while they await trial. "We are all trying to build a system where we identify violent and dangerous people like this and career people like this who are engaged in this pattern of conduct that we can get them off the streets and make Albuquerque a safer place," said District Attorney Raul Torrez.

Another issue plaguing the city is retail crime. The state and City of Albuquerque recently launched a partnership targeting those who are making a career out of it and Rehm wants to make it tougher.

Right now, if someone steals $500 or less at once, they face misdemeanor charges. Rehm wants it all to add up.

"So, when you go into Target and you steal $400 and you go next door to Home Depot, you steal $400. Okay, now you got $800 worth of theft and that's going to go to the felony level, not the misdemeanor where very little happens to you," said Rehm.

Rehm says this bill is expected to be grouped into the governor's crime package. Another proposal is making sure time isn't a factor when prosecuting second-degree murder cases by doing away with the statute of limitations. krqe.com

Retail Violence & Abuse Across the Pond
UK: Police crack down on shop worker abuse after physical & verbal assaults
With nearly 1 in 10 store workers in the UK reporting they have been physically assaulted at work and 9 in 10 saying that they had been verbally assaulted in the past year, Greater Manchester Police (GMP), supported by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), has pledged to do more to tackle retail crime.

Despite shop workers being hailed for the essential role they played during the pandemic, in the first wave of restrictions, abuse against retail workers doubled.

At a visit to a Co-Op store, also attended by Deputy Mayor Bev Hughes, in support of the national Shop Kind campaign, and to talk to some of the shops' workers and gain an insight from their experiences, GMP unveiled its new retail crime action plan.

The plan sets out how the force will be raising the standard of service its delivers to local retail businesses across Greater Manchester in order to increase the confidence the sector has in the police and target offenders.

GMP's Superintendent Ben Ewart, said: "GMP would like to reaffirm its commitment to retailers and work with both independent shops and big supermarkets to reduce the number of incidents of retail crime. "The impact that an incident of abuse or assault can have on a worker cannot be underestimated.

"As the location of the incident is the victims place of work, they will often have to continue to go back to the scene day after day, which can have devastating effects on their wellbeing and mental health.

"I hope that our pledge to support the national #ShopKind campaign instils confidence in all of the retail workers across Greater Manchester that GMP will not accept crime against them and will be taking appropriate action to ensure that this issue is tackled." theoldhamtimes.co.uk

Crime-Fighting Drones
New drones take flight to help Brookhaven police fight crime
The Brookhaven Police Department is taking flight to fight crime and save lives using their new Unmanned Arial Support (UAS) team. "The Brookhaven UAS team is comprised of 16 licensed UAS piolets. All of our piolets are license to operate unmanned aircraft below 50 pounds," Brookhaven Police Lt. Abrem Ayana said.

The department announced on Tuesday that they will now be deploying drones from eight different launchpads in different high crime areas throughout Metro Atlanta.

"The Brookhaven Police Department can remotely assess a situation, determine what resources are needed, mustarded up those resources, keep both our community and officers safe. We can cancel our ground units that may have to respond if there is no evidence that a crime is being committed," Lt. Ayana said.

The department said that having these drones as the first responders on scene will enable officers to know exactly what is going on before they even arrive. Officers will be able to view drone footage from the scene from their area computers and even their smart phones to determine the best approach.

The department adds that the new drones will be used only for tactical and emergency calls. They will only record while responding to 911 calls, and they will not be used for randomized surveillance. cbs46.com

More Police Officers in Stores as Retail Crime Surges
Rise in brazen thefts in CT, across the country has police departments increasing their presence at stores
An increase in brazen thefts has been reported at stores across the country, including here in Connecticut. In some cases, it has turned violent, putting store employees and customers at risk. Police in Southington are working to catch those responsible.

These types of thefts are becoming more common and dangerous than before, putting retailers on high alert. Southington Police Lt. Keith Egan says they're looking into whether this crime is linked to similar incidents at other BJ's locations in the state.

This isn't just happening in Connecticut, it's a trend retailers are seeing all across the country. A study from the National Retail Federation found 69 percent of retailers saw an increase in organized retail crime over the past year. They cited several reasons for this uptick, including the pandemic and growth of online marketplaces.

"The opportunity is there, and people are seizing the opportunity to steal this stuff," Lt. Egan said.

Southington police say they'll be increasing their presence around the retailers even more as we enter the holiday season. They are urging anyone with information about any of the incidents to call police right away. wtnh.com

Wilmington eclipses 2017 gun violence record with latest fatal shooting

COVID Update

443.3M Vaccinations Given

US: 48.1M Cases - 786.2K Dead - 38.1M Recovered
Worldwide: 255.2M Cases - 5.1M Dead - 230.7M Recovered

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

Private Industry Security Guard Deaths: 325 Law Enforcement Officer Deaths: 530
*Red indicates change in total deaths

COVID-19 surges in Minnesota and rest of Midwest
Minnesota has nation's worst 7-day rate of new COVID-19 infections

But the "whole Midwest is lighting up," according to infectious disease expert.

Minnesota's rate of new coronavirus infections has been worst in the nation over the past seven days, according to the latest federal data, and has brought the state's hospitals closer to capacity.

"We are in the middle of a COVID blizzard right now in Minnesota, so that's a challenge," state infectious disease director Kris Ehresmann said.

Infections from a fast-spreading delta variant have spread north to the Midwest and Mountain states this fall. startribune.com

Vaccine Mandate War Continues
Senate Republicans to formally challenge Biden OSHA vaccine mandate

'Republicans are united against President Biden's vaccine mandate for businesses'

All 50 Senate Republicans on Wednesday morning are expected to formally challenge the Biden administration's vaccine rule for private businesses under the Congressional Review Act - the official process for Congress to eliminate an executive branch rule.

GOP Sen. Mike Braun of Indiana will lead all 49 of his Senate Republican colleagues, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, in moving to strike down the Biden administration's rule which mandates employees at private businesses with 100 workers or more to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Jan. 4 or be subject to weekly testing and mask-wearing.

The Congressional Review Act (CRA) can be used by Congress to overturn certain federal agency regulations and actions through a joint resolution of disapproval. If a CRA joint resolution of disapproval is approved by both houses of Congress and signed by the president, or if Congress successfully overrides a presidential veto, the rule at issue is invalidated.

With support from all 50 Republican senators, a GOP aide told Fox News that "just one Democratic defection" would pass the disapproval resolution in the Senate. foxnews.com

Bad Legal News for Biden's Vaccine Mandate?
Conservative-leaning appeals court to hear challenges to Biden's vaccine mandate after ping-pong ball lottery
Challenges to the Biden administration's vaccine mandate targeting employers with more than 100 employees will be consolidated and heard by the Ohio-based 6th US Circuit Court of Appeals after it was chosen Tuesday by a ping-pong ball lottery.

The conservative-leaning appeals court could help determine the ultimate fate of President Joe Biden's most controversial push to date to ensure that as many Americans as possible are vaccinated against Covid-19, especially after the emergence of a new strain of the virus.

The 6th Circuit has more than twice as many judges appointed by Republican presidents than those appointed by Democrats. A three-judge panel of appeals court judges -- yet to be determined -- will first hear the case.

The mandate came under immediate challenge from Republican-led states and some private employers who charge that OSHA exceeded its power in issuing such a rule. After the first wave of lawsuits, liberal-leaning unions joined in too, arguing in some cases that OSHA has the authority to go further and issue a more stringent mandate. Both sides filed their disputes in circuits they thought might be the most favorable to their position. Under a statute governing OSHA, all 34 lawsuits from across the country filed in 12 different court of appeals are required to eventually be consolidated and handled by one court chosen by lottery. cnn.com

Legal Limbo Isn't Stopping Businesses' Vax Mandate Plans
Biden's vaccine mandate is on hold, but companies are moving ahead anyway
For most employers it's full-speed ahead on Covid vaccine mandates, regardless of whether the courts uphold or strike down President Joe Biden's requirements.

A Federal Court of Appeals put on hold the Biden administration's plans to mandate vaccines or weekly tests for staff of businesses with 100 or more employees. But a flash survey of 300 businesses conducted Tuesday by Gartner showed that 60% of companies are going ahead with plans as if Biden's January 4 deadline remained in place.

Only about 10% of the business executives who participated in the survey Tuesday said they were taking a step back from their plans, according to Brian Kropp, the chief of research at consulting firm Gartner's HR practice. Another 30% said they are still weighing how to proceed.

"When you look at the number of companies that have already put in a mandate, it'd be hard for them to turn it around," said Kropp. cnn.com

How COVID Has Changed Holiday Shopping
Vaccine and supply chain issues drive in‑store holiday shopping
Many Pacific Northwest residents plan to shop in-store this holiday season, but mask mandates, vaccine requirements and supply chain issues will strongly influence their decision, according to a new report from Washington State University's Carson College of Business.

The college's fifth annual holiday retail report finds 44% of Pacific Northwest shoppers say in-store shopping is easier because of supply chain issues and shipping delays, but 53% say the ongoing labor shortage makes it difficult for them to have a good experience. The survey also found many shoppers in Washington (49%) and Oregon (47%) would only feel comfortable shopping in-store at places that require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for employees, compared to 29% in Idaho.

This year's report surveyed more than 1,700 regional consumers and sought to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic continues to change shopping behaviors, as well as how attitudes and perceptions toward the holiday shopping season have shifted.

Key findings include:

● 51% of respondents said they are avoiding all travel this holiday season due to COVID.

● 65% of residents said they feel safer shopping in person because more people are getting vaccinated. In 2020, only 54% said they felt safe in-store.

● 26% of shoppers in Seattle and 29% in Portland/Vancouver said they would feel comfortable shopping in person if people were not wearing masks, compared to 44% in Spokane/Coeur d'Alene.

● 42% said they would not want to shop anywhere that required customers or employees to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test.

● 61% of respondents said they are likely to shop in-store if stores are open.

● 53% of the respondents said the ongoing labor shortage makes it difficult for them to have a good experience. news.wsu.edu

Booster Shots for All Adults
Some 'frustrated' states don't wait for FDA, expand Covid-19 vaccine booster eligibility to all adults
Some states are not waiting. At least five so far -- Arkansas, California, Colorado, New Mexico and West Virginia -- have expanded eligibility for Covid-19 booster shots to everyone 18 and older, six months after their second dose, even though the US Food and Drug Administration hasn't done so yet and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention hasn't given its recommendation. cnn.com

Biden to buy Pfizer antiviral pills for 10M people, hoping to transform pandemic

Nearly Half of Frontline Workers' Safety Concerns Being Ignored
Frontline Workers' Safety Concerns Not Being Addressed by Companies

In a new study, 46% of frontline workers say they are never, rarely, or only sometimes listened to concerning safety issues.

In a new survey from SafetyCulture, "Feedback from the Field," 66% of American frontline workers said they are rarely, never, or only sometimes listened to by management on these important topics.

The study found that the majority of American, Australian, and British frontline workers (67%) say that they are never, rarely, or only sometimes listened to on topics that matter to them the most - operations (54%), safety (46%), and health/wellbeing (49%).

Frontline workers fear job loss when reporting COVID-19 adherence issues

Job loss as a result of reporting a safety or quality issue to management, including adherence to COVID-19 protocols, is a real concern for many frontline workers. Almost half of Australian frontline workers (48%), more than a third of American frontline workers (36%), and more than one in five British frontline workers (22%) agreed this is a potential scenario.

Lack of action prevents frontline feedback

Fears aside, over one in three frontline workers (34%) agree their willingness to provide workplace feedback is impacted by a belief that "nothing will be done" once reported. More than one in four said they lacked confidence management would address safety issues they raise.

Training beats a competitive holiday allowance

As many organizations navigate The Great Resignation of 2021, SafetyCulture's research also reveals that quality training is of key importance to frontline jobseekers when considering a new role. Seven in ten frontline workers (70%) describe training as either very important or a top priority ahead of a competitive holiday allowance (40%). ehstoday.com

Retail Perspective on Shortages & Inflation
Grocery store CEO: How we're dealing with food shortages and higher prices

By Nicholas Bertram, President of The Giant Company

Since the onset of the pandemic, there has been intense scrutiny on the grocery industry, as historic demand and a stretched supply chain have led to rising food prices and shortages of certain products. In fact, food prices are at their highest levels in a decade - not ideal news less than two weeks out from one of the most food-centric holidays of the year.

For The Giant Company, our cost inflation has accelerated during the past five months and is around 4% - more than triple the 2020 rate of 1.2%. Hopefully the inflation rate has peaked, but there does not appear to be any real deflation on the horizon. Most of the factors driving price increases are beyond our control - like ongoing labor shortages, limited availability of raw ingredients, freight and packaging constraints, and unpredictable weather events. The more it costs to make an item and get it to its final destination, the higher the price goes.

Consumers are increasingly becoming worried. According to The Food Industry Association's latest U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends Tracker, more than half of consumers surveyed (53%) are concerned about rising prices. Our own research, conducted regularly via research groups and virtual panels, echoes their findings. Customers are monitoring prices, substituting what they put in their carts and even going without.
There is good news, though. The grocery industry, including our team, is adapting to consumer needs in real-time, and will continue to do so despite these market conditions.

At Giant, we are trying to absorb as much of these higher costs as we can to avoid passing them on to customers and protect them from more frustration. We're sending product from warehouses to stores earlier than it is needed, and also sending it in larger quantities to reduce the number of truck trips, which saves us on labor and transportation costs. For an industry that has historically operated on razor-thin profit margins, the current situation only exacerbates these pressures. cnn.com

Supply Chain Issues Driving Return to In-Store Shopping?
Brick-and-mortar stores might be your best bet during supply chain backup
Supply chain backups have experts recommending shoppers go back to brick-and-mortar stores to guarantee item availability. The Problem Solvers have heard from frustrated consumers experiencing backups in delivery times for items like furniture and appliances.

For one, supply and demand for a lot of products got out of whack at the beginning of the pandemic when life needs changed drastically overnight. That led to a backup at the ports which is exacerbated by a shortage of truck drivers and COVID-19 itself.

"Depending where the item was produced, they had a COVID outbreak and in some countries, if you have an outbreak, they shut the facility down or in some cases shut the port down," he said.

They recommended customers purchase items from their warehouse, that can be delivered in two to three days. In fact, Nichols recommended this strategy for all shoppers, especially going into the holidays.

"You may see people going back to brick-and-mortar stores where they can put their hands on a product as opposed to ordering online." wreg.com

Grocery Store Shortages
Thanksgiving essentials are out of stock
In the week ending November 7, retailers were running lower on stock of essential Thanksgiving items compared to the same time last year, according to IRI, a market research firm that tracks US retail sales.

Manufacturers and grocers say supply chain disruptions and high demand, both throughout the year and ahead of the holiday, have contributed to barer shelves. cnn.com

Thanksgiving Store Closings
These retailers will be closed for the holiday

Real and artificial Christmas trees in short supply

New 'combo' store opening in Branchville; Family Dollar, Dollar Tree under 1 roof

Big brands raising prices may lose customers

'Significant' storm could hit East Coast during busy Thanksgiving travel week

Quarterly Results
Home Depot Q3 U.S. comp's up 5.5%, total company comp's up 6.1%, sales up 9.8%

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Playing Catch Up - Law Enforcement & The Mountains of Forensic Evidence
In Alabama, Training for Cyber Crime and Competing in War Games

The Secret Service's National Computer Forensics Institute (NCFI) Training Law Enforcement

In a nondescript building in a Birmingham suburb, the Secret Service is hosting hundreds of police and National Guard officers to pump up cyberforensics around the country.

In weeklong events include sessions on incident response and practical education on ransomware response, destructive malware variants, and how the malware goes to work in real time.

The Secret Service is one of many federal agencies and regulators moving forcefully against hackers, as the Biden administration has taken a laser interest in ransomware. The Justice Department, for instance, has put in place a ransomware task force to go after hackers who strike at U.S. companies, while federal contractors are now being held to specific cybersecurity standards, under a threat of heavy fines.

The Treasury Department has already sanctioned individuals and cryptocurrency exchanges for their alleged role in facilitating payments to cybercriminals. Congressional bills and provisions in Mr. Biden's $1 trillion infrastructure plan promise federal funding to state and local governments to stiffen cybersecurity measures. The president signed the bill into law on Monday.

But where the Secret Service is focusing its efforts, and millions of dollars, is on local law enforcement.

The NCFI launched in 2007 after the state of Alabama approached the Secret Service about training its police officers, prosecutors and judges in digital forensics, and offered it space to do so in Hoover, a suburb of Birmingham. The request came after the state police had faced monthslong waits for digital forensics, with the Federal Bureau of Investigation's regional labs and just a handful of specialists around the country overwhelmed.

The Secret Service agreed on one condition: that the training include officers from all 50 states. With a nod from Alabama, the institute got rolling. In 2008, Congress gave the NCFI $4 million, and the facility trained around 200 officers. This year's budget topped $34 million, helping NCFI train more than 3,700 officers. NCFI officials have requested $37.1 million for next year.

For many police departments, familiarity with cyber techniques is becoming crucial to tackling a broad range of crimes, said Mr. Sheridan, the Secret Service assistant director.

About 24% of crimes investigated by officers who take NCFI courses are against children, he said, and 21% are violent crimes that people don't usually associate with cyber, yet require digital forensic skills to obtain evidence.

"From our perspective, there is no element of criminality anymore that isn't cybercrime," said Jeremy Sheridan, assistant director of the agency's Office of Investigations. "Whether it's the opportunity to commit the crime, the methods to execute it, the means to profit from it, it all involves some element of cyber." wsj.com

DHS Steps Up Cybersecurity Hiring & Training Efforts
US launches effort to recruit, retain top cybersecurity talent to fight escalating cybercrime threats
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security on Monday announced a new program to help attract and retain top cybersecurity professionals, as the Biden administration escalates its response to ransomware and other cybercrime.

The department launched the Cyber Talent Management System (CTMS), which will help better screen potential talent and streamline the application process. Employees hired through this system will join the new DHS Cybersecurity Service, a federal team that will work to protect critical U.S. infrastructure from cybersecurity threats.

The White House in recent weeks has escalated its response to such crimes, which it regards as an urgent economic and national security threat. The U.S. has endured a "steady drumbeat" of attacks since at least last summer, according to Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, who recently announced arrests and other actions.

Specifically, ransomware attacks - in which hackers lock up and encrypt data and demand often-exorbitant sums to release it to victims - have exploded in the last year with breaches affecting vital infrastructure and global corporations.

The attacks elevated ransomware as an urgent national security priority - but holding foreign hackers accountable in the U.S. is also notoriously difficult, and ransomware gangs are abundant.

While the new hiring system will initially be used to fill high-priority jobs at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the DHS Office of the Chief Information Officer, it will also be used across several other DHS agencies with a similar mission starting in 2022.

Mayorkas added that the new DHS hiring system "fundamentally re-imagines how the Department hires, develops, and retains top-tier and diverse cybersecurity talent."

A senior DHS official told reporters ahead of the announcement that the department currently has around 1,500 cybersecurity-related vacancies, of which around 1,000 would likely fit into CTMS, according to The Hill. The official added that there is a range of roles from entry-level to expert level. fox5atlanta.com

Walmart's Tech & Data Success
How technology and data make Walmart shine amid supply chain issues, inflation
Inflation, supply chain turmoil and a holiday season where consumers will be as worried about inventory as much as price are likely to mean Walmart is going to have a strong fourth quarter. Technology and data will be a big reason why.

It's not surprising that Walmart, a long-time low cost provider, will be popular as inflation in the US spikes. But what may be a surprise is how much Walmart's technology prowess has improved and how the retailer leverages its data stack.

Here's why this is Walmart's moment amid inflation, supply chain issues and consumer demand that's strong but fluid.

Walmart has become a technology company. While Walmart has always been savvy about deploying technology, the COVID-19 pandemic sped up the retailer's digital transformation. Walmart had to innovate on the fly and now is uniquely positioned.

Walmart has retooled its approach to be digital first and omnichannel. McMillon outlined how Walmart has adopted an approach that revolves around designing omnichannel outcomes. He said: "We use a phrase here that's called 4-in-a-box which is an agile way of working with customer, product, design, technology, engineering, all around the table, designing omnichannel outcomes for customers and members."

Walmart has better models to predict how customers will react to inflation. McMillon noted that "fighting inflation is in our DNA" and that the company's models and algorithms have been able to navigate supply chain woes, inventory needs and how consumers may react. Why? Walmart operates globally including a few regions where inflation has been far worse than what the US is currently seeing. Those data points can inform how consumers will react.

Walmart is able to leverage its data from its marketplace, supply chain and other services. The end result is that the real benefit to Walmart is the data generated from its assortment and retail operations. zdnet.com

This mysterious malware could threaten millions of routers and IoT devices

Sen. Ossoff working to pass bill to fund Cybersecurity training at HBCUs

March Networks Achieves Certification for Cybersecure Business Practices

OTTAWA, ON, November 16, 2021 -- March Networks is pleased to announce that it has achieved CyberSecure Canada certification, developed by the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, Canada's authority on cybersecurity.

In order to become certified, an organization must put into place the requirements of the 13 security control areas developed by the Centre. Examples of these control areas include developing an incident response plan, implementing strong user authentication, providing employee training, implementing data recovery methods, and ensuring encryption across all data. After implementing the requirements, an organization must go through a rigorous audit by an accredited certification body. March Networks is pleased to have been successful in the implementation of these stringent requirements.

Read more here

COVID Update

Aggressive Shoppers Acting Out Over Canada's COVID Guidelines
Woman caught on camera licking products at Alta. grocery store, raises COVID-19 concerns
In a TikTok video that began circulating on Saturday, a woman is recorded as she walks through a number of aisles in John's No Frills on 43 Avenue. As the woman proceeds through the store, she picks up a number of products and licks them before throwing them back down or into the air.

"I licked it all," she says to someone off-screen as she proceeds. "I am so done with COVID." By Sunday afternoon, the video has been viewed more than 1 million times.

While the store has provided no comment about the situation, the head office of Loblaw Companies Ltd. offered the following statement:

"We are aware of the incident and have been in touch with the store who has assured that all affected products have been discarded and extra sanitization has taken place. While unfortunate, these types of incidents are rare. We commend the team at the store for their swift and thoughtful action to keep everyone safe and healthy at this time."

It's the latest situation where a member of the public has acted out against public health guidelines in Canada. More than a week ago, a man who coughed on a server at a Calgary bar was convicted of assault. calgary.ctvnews.ca

COVID Fades & Canadian Malls Return to Normal?
Toronto malls prepare for a holiday season that's almost back to normal - in some cases, even better
Holiday shopping at the malls won't quite be back to business as usual this year, but it's going to be pretty close, according to mall owners, retail experts and even jolly old Saint Nick himself.

"It's not going to be completely back to normal, but it's getting there," said Lisa Hutcheson, managing partner of retail consultancy J.C. Williams Group.

After 19 months of the global COVID-19 pandemic, Canadians are ready to shop in person again.

"People have said one of the reasons they're planning to shop in person is to get into the spirit of the season. There's a hustle and bustle that puts people into the holiday spirit," said Hutcheson.

That's good news for mall retailers who've faced on-and-off lockdowns since the pandemic began, and are hoping for solid sales during what's an important season even in normal times, said Michelle Wasylyshen, spokesperson for the Retail Council of Canada.

"The holiday season is absolutely vital for retailers," said Wasylyshen. thestar.com

Canada's COVID cases creep higher, new curbs may be needed - health officials

Why unvaccinated Canadians say they won't get the COVID-19 shot

Canada's Crime + Inflation Connection
Shoplifting seems to be up as grocery prices rise in Montreal: expert
Montreal grocers are reporting higher rates of theft at their stores as costs associated with livestock, transportation, and labour rise around the world.

"I've seen it all. I've seen it all," says Shalina Davis, a clerk at Le Marché Esposito - a grocery store in Monkland Village. She says someone recently bagged fifty bucks of groceries at once and headed out the door.

While Montreal grocers report higher rates of thefts, shop owners across the country are also seeing a rise, according to experts.

"Every part of Canada is seeing the same thing," said Sylvain Charlebois, professor in food distribution and policy at Dalhousie University. "There seems to be an increasing number of infractions, theft is a growing problem in the face of higher prices."

The meat section is a common target. Charlebois says it's being driven by the cost of groceries across the board, something any cashier can tell you firsthand. But Charlebois says a lot of people aren't boosting steak from the supermarket to eat, they're looking to resell it, likely to a restaurant.

"If you're stealing meat from a grocer, your aim is food service," he said.

Montreal police don't keep statistics related to grocery store theft. Some shops have hired undercover security guards to keep watch - a practice Charlebois predicts won't be slowing down any time soon.

"We believe it's only going to get worse six months to a year from now because of food prices," he said. montreal.ctvnews.ca

Canada's Epstein - Nygard Case Update
Bail hearing for Canadian fashion mogul Peter Nygard adjourned to Nov. 26

Former fashion mogul charged with sex assault, forcible confinement of 7 women

Former fashion mogul Peter Nygard will be back in court in two weeks to apply for bail on charges of sex assault and forcible confinement in Toronto. A bail hearing was scheduled to go ahead Friday morning, but Nygard's defence team requested a two-week adjournment.

He's scheduled to be back in court in Toronto on Nov. 26. Nygard's defence lawyer, Brian Greenspan, did not give a reason for requesting the adjournment.

The 80-year-old, who was arrested in Winnipeg last December on separate sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges in the United States, was flown to Toronto two weeks ago.

Last month, Nygard agreed to bypass the court extradition process and go straight to a judicial review by federal Justice Minister David Lametti, who will decide if Nygard should be surrendered to the U.S.

On Oct. 1, the same day Nygard signed the agreement to take his case to the justice minister, Toronto police charged Nygard with sex assault and forcible confinement of seven women in the mid-1980s to the mid-2000s.

Nygard had applied for bail as part of the extradition process, but a judge said he was a flight risk and ordered him to stay in custody. cbc.ca

Canadian Retailers Have High Hopes for Holiday Season
Pent-up Consumer Savings and Demand Driving Optimism Ahead of 2021 Holiday Shopping Season in Canada: Report
Morris' observations are reflected within Google's survey findings which reveal that nearly half (44%) of Canadian shoppers plan to start their holiday shopping earlier this year than they did last year. And, nearly a third (33%) have already begun their holiday shopping. He points to longstanding pandemic-induced constraints and consumer trepidation as the very functions contributing toward the expected boom in spending this holiday shopping season.

Demand has been supressed for such an elongated period of time, he explains, that as attitudes toward social gatherings and in-person shopping loosens and intentions to spend on family and friends continues to intensify, so, too, does the positivity surrounding the upcoming holiday shopping season.

"Broadly speaking, there's savings in the pockets of Canadian consumers," he says. "They have more confidence in the economy and in the fact that we've finally turned the corner on COVID. Any lingering economic uncertainty effecting spending decisions continues to improve. In addition, travel has been somewhat stifled, with most of the trips remaining local and less expensive. This has resulted in a little more disposable income that Canadians are spending on other things and in different ways." retail-insider.com

Media warned against publishing photos of Nygard appearing in virtual court

Amazon bringing cloud computing hub to Calgary with $4 billion investment

Burger King to Expand Significantly in Canada in Growing Partnership

Canadian Menswear Retailer Moores Debuts Ecomm Site

Edson, AB: Store employee dies after being shot during attempted robbery
The Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit has taken over the investigation of an attempted robbery in Edson, Alta., that left a store's employee dead. According to police, members of the Edson RCMP detachment were called about a shooting at a business on 50 Street just before 5:30 p.m. on Thursday.

"An unknown male suspect entered a business with a firearm and attempted to rob the business," the RCMP said in a news release issued Friday. "During the interaction, the suspect discharged the firearm and injured an employee.

"The suspect who was unsuccessful in the robbery attempt fled the business - leaving the firearm behind - and departed in a vehicle. The suspect vehicle was located a short distance away, unoccupied."

Police said the man who was shot while working in the store sustained critical injuries and was rushed to hospital where he later died. globalnews.ca

Toronto man charged in fatal Brampton shooting; victim found behind shopping center
A 23-year-old Toronto man has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder in the shooting death of a 45-year-old man in Brampton. Peel homicide detectives, with the help of Toronto police, arrested the accused in Toronto on the weekend. He appeared in court in Brampton on Sunday. The victim was found dead behind a shopping plaza in the area of Brickyard Way and Quarry Edge Drive. Police were called to the scene on Saturday at about 4:10 a.m. His name has not been released. cbc.ca

Two men stabbed at downtown Vancouver McDonald's, no arrests made
Two men are in hospital with stab wounds after an incident at a McDonald's restaurant on Saturday morning. "Around 3:30 this morningy, officers were flagged down by security at the McDonald's on Granville and Smithe for reports of two men stabbed," reads a statement from the Vancouver Police Department's Const. Tania Visintin.

As of Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m., no arrests had been made, and the investigation is ongoing. Both men were taken to hospital, but Visintin said she could not provide information on their condition. "We are still awaiting to hear the extent of their injuries," she continued. bc.ctvnews.ca

Kitchener, ON: Robber who pepper-sprayed clerk jailed 13 months, could be deported

Weapon used in Lakeshore Drive convenience store robbery

Kelowna RCMP warn cannabis stores after armed robbery

Two young offenders don't get very far after St. Catharines c-store robbery

Ottawa: Suspect identified in two grab-and-run thefts

Stolen items returned to five Owen Sound stores

Brantford, ON: Shoplifter hit by car, driver said he was trying to stop him

View Canadian Connections Archives

E-Commerce Pushing Black Friday Toward Extinction?
Online shopping is driving the in-person Black Friday experience to extinction

Only a quarter of U.S. consumers will shop in person on Black Friday this year

The once-blinding shine of Black Friday is dimming for U.S. consumers as nearly one-third will not shop at all on that day. Of those planning to shop Black Friday, most intend to shop only online, according to Sitecore's Holiday Shopping Trends 2021 Report. This could be because 20% no longer believe the event offers good deals and the fact that the majority (71%) will have already started buying Christmas gifts by Black Friday. Only 11% said they will kick-off their holiday shopping during the event.

Consumers don't want to face the crowds or over-consume

With 18 months of social distancing and rising infection numbers, it is no surprise that U.S. consumers cite avoiding crowds (58% of respondents) as one of the top three reasons to not shop on Black Friday. Only 17% plan to shop in person on Black Friday at national stores and just 10% plan to shop in person at local businesses.

The fact that the event is now associated with over-consumption (30%) and is becoming outdated could also be hampering interest.

Finally, shoppers have different priorities for Christmas this year. After suffering through the pandemic without much time with loved ones, many are ready to make up for lost time this holiday season. Nearly three-fourths (71%) say they would prefer experience-based gifts over "more stuff" and 63% want the gifts they do buy to mean something or have a story behind them, which may nudge them more toward local retailers versus "one-stop shops."

Online brands can still triumph on Black Friday

The majority of those choosing to shop Black Friday this year will be online (43%), which offers brands an opportunity to meet customer expectations for both Black Friday-worthy deals and exceptional customer experiences. Consumers believe that deals offered on Black Friday are often no better than sales offered throughout the year. However, those choosing to shop on Black Friday will still be on the hunt for discounts and deals. prnewswire.com

The environmental cost of online shopping
During the pandemic, online shopping has become more popular than ever. That's especially true as we head into the holidays. Today, we look at one community that says it's seeing the costs of that growth in its air quality. washingtonpost.com

Amazon now hiring 1,000+ for Fort Wayne fulfillment center

New Orleans, LA: California Man Charged in Scheme Involving Over $300,000 in Fraudulent Purchases from Home Depot
He spent $300K at Home Depot stores in 7 states - with stolen credit cards, feds say. A 36-year-old California man racked up $300,000 in fraudulent purchases at Home Depot stores in seven states using other people's credit cards, according to federal prosecutors. Jonathan Orpilla Sinlao, of San Diego, was indicted Friday, Nov. 12, on access device fraud charges in the Eastern District of Louisiana. According to Court documents, SINLAO conspired with others to conduct over $300,000 in unauthorized purchases of gift cards and products at Home Depot stores using customers' Citibank credit card numbers. These transactions occurred between at least February of 2019 and July of 2019 at Home Depot stores in Louisiana, Florida, Texas, Arizona, California, New York, and Oklahoma. U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Department of Homeland Security, the Oklahoma City Police Department, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Carboni. sunherald.com

Jonesboro, AR: Lowes reports theft of $50,000 in building materials
Lowes reported to Jonesboro police on Friday that an employee purposely did not ring up purchases and two suspects walked away with $50,000 in building materials. Tony Caldwell of Georgia, a regional investigations manager for Lowes, and store loss prevention officer at the Jonesboro Lowes, gave police statements about the theft. Two male suspects are listed as 35 and 46 years old. The investigation is continuing. jonesborosun.com

Placer County, CA:Suspect in theft crime ring accused of stealing $33K worth of items from NorCal Target stores
A man suspected of being in a retail theft crime ring is accused of stealing more than $33,000 worth of items from Target stores across Northern California, according to the Placer County Sheriff's Office. An employee at an Auburn Target called the sheriff's office Sunday at 6:45 p.m. to report the theft of several "high value" items. Surveillance video showed the suspect walking into the store with an empty box that he filled with several containers of baby formula, officials said. The sheriff's office said the suspect, 30-year-old Dylan Norman Lovitt, was getting into his vehicle when deputies arrived. A sergeant tried to stop Lovitt, but he took off and led officers on a chase along westbound Interstate 80.

Officials said he ran stop signs and red lights during the chase, and at one point began driving in the center emergency median. Spike strips were used on Interstate 80 near Penryn Road to stop the vehicle. Once the vehicle was stopped, officials said Lovitt got out and ran away. He was taken into custody a short time later, officials said. During the investigation, dozens of baby formula containers were recovered from his vehicle. The value of those containers totaled nearly $850. "Nearly $850... that's multiple-dozens of containers that he was able to smuggle into this box and make his way out of the store," said Placer County Sheriff's office spokesperson Angela Musallam. Target officials told authorities that Lovitt was part of an organized retail theft crime ring. The sheriff's office said he has stolen more than $33,000 worth of items from Target stores across Northern California. kcra.com

Kansas City, MO: Man Linked to Homicide and Pawn Shop Burglary, Sentenced to 16 Years for Drug Trafficking, 52 Illegal Firearms
A former Kansas City-area man, who claimed self-defense after fatally shooting another man during a drug deal, was sentenced in federal court today for drug trafficking and for illegally possessing 52 firearms he stole from a local pawn shop. Kameron M. Bynum, 26, of Wilson, North Carolina, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to 16 years and three months in federal prison without parole. Smart Pawn, 6301 Troost Ave., Kansas City, reported a burglary on May 13, 2017. Bynum broke in through the roof of the business and stole 52 handguns valued at $19,725. Investigators used video surveillance and found clothing in an alley that was used during the burglary. A bloodstain was found on a glove used in the burglary and DNA analysis linked the bloodstain to Bynum. justice.gov

Swansea, MA: Trio of Repeat Offenders arrested following Return Fraud; loaded revolver found in car
Chief Marc Haslam reports that the Swansea Police Department arrested three people after a reported shoplifting incident on Tuesday afternoon. NICOLAS TEIXEIRA, AMANDA DUNSE, and DANIEL HARDEN were arrested and charged with Conspiracy, Possession of Ammunition without FID Card, Carrying a Firearm without License and Receive Stolen Property Less Than $1,200. A store employee informed the officers that the suspects - later identified as DUNSE and TEXEIRA - allegedly returned merchandise using an old receipt. Following the return, loss prevention employees at the store told police that they determined that the transaction was a fraudulent return. Officers learned that the TEXEIRA and DUNSE fled the store to a waiting vehicle. Upon arrival, officers located the vehicle with TEXERIA, DUNSE and HARDEN inside. A number of receipts from other stores, a firearm and ammunition were located in the vehicle. All three suspects are known to police and were wanted on active arrest warrants from other communities. jgpr.net

Chicago, IL: Foot Locker hit by smash-and-grab burglars
A group of people burglarized a Foot Locker store in Chicago's Hermosa neighborhood Tuesday morning, police said. The smash-and-grab burglary took place in the 4000-block of West North Avenue at about 2:57 a.m. Police said three male suspects and female suspect got out of a black Jeep and broke out the windows of the store. abc7chicago.com

Chicago, IL: Woman arrested trying to steal $2K in merchandise in Magnificent Mile robbery

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Shootings & Deaths

Philadelphia, PA: Woman Slain During Attempted Robbery at Check Cashing Store
A woman was shot and killed during an attempted robbery at a north Philadelphia check cashing business. authorities said. Police said the 67-year-old victim was shot shortly after 1 p.m. Tuesday at Any Checks Cashed, which is next to a day-care center, in the city's Ogontz neighborhood. She was pronounced dead at the scene minutes later. A man in his 40s wearing black clothing fled in an unknown vehicle, police said. Authorities said they don't know whether anything was taken. usnews.com

Miami, FL: Second man arrested in connection with Aventura Mall shooting
Charges: attempted murder. A second man has been arrested for a role in the shooting that happened in the middle of the Aventura Mall, one of South Florida's busiest and most popular shopping centers. Aventura police on Tuesday booked 21-year-old Norman Pickens III into a Miami-Dade jail. He's charged with three counts of attempted murder. His arrest came six months after the melee at the mall, when three people were wounded by gunfire as crowds raced for cover, fearing there may have been an "active shooter." The shooting happened in a first-floor indoor area next to the entrance of Nordstrom, the Louis Vuitton, Carolina Herrera and Hugo Boss stores and Sur La Table, an upscale cookware store.

Groups of shoppers sat at dining tables when a confrontation broke out between two groups of young men in front of a decorative fountain underneath an escalator. In the frantic moments after the shooting, police detained one of Pickens' associates, who identified Pickens as the shooter seen dressed in an all-black sweat suit with white stripes on the side, according to an arrest warrant released on Tuesday. miamiherald.com

Robberies, Incidents & Thefts

Fresno, CA: Burglar caught on camera stealing safe from northeast Fresno restaurant
Fresno restaurant owners released surveillance video in hopes of tracking down a burglar who rolled away with their safe. A criminal was caught on camera breaking into Bollywood Indian Street Food in northeast Fresno. The owners say the alarm went off around 4:30 am on Saturday morning at their Cedar and Herndon store. They got the alert and were at the restaurant in a matter of minutes, but it was too late. The owners were shocked to see their whole safe was gone.

"You know seeing somebody rolling out your safe, you know the cash register, OK, but rolling out the safe, you have personal papers, savings that you work for. It was shocking. We're still in shock. It's really devastating and sad that people do that," said Patty Bedi, owner of Bollywood Indian Street Food. Bedi says they believe the break-in involved more than one person. abc30.com

McLennan County, TX: Law enforcement recovers $75,000 in stolen property
McLennan County Sheriff Parnell McNamara said Tuesday, "It was a combined effort, a combined investigation of all of these agencies that brought together these three creeps that you see on the board," McNamara said. He said Garvin called the family of a man he knew who died Oct. 31 to offer his condolences. The day after the man's death, Garvin robbed his store, McNamara said. kwtx.com

Ocean County, NJ: Man pleads guilty to string of Ocean County Robberies

Nashville, TN: Carjackings, 5 Retail Robberies, police chase: suspect faces new charges

Elkhart, IN: Walmart Loss prevention officer injured during a shoplifting incident

Daily Totals:
• 12 robberies
• 12 burglaries
• 0 shootings
• 0 killed

Click to enlarge map

None to report.

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	Asset Protection Manager Philadelphia, PA - posted November 5 As an Asset Protection Manager II you will be responsible for one of our highest shortage locations with an elevated scope of responsibility that may include executive direct reports and increased staff levels, higher Sales Volume or significant Shortage risk. You will be the subject matter expert on Asset Protection and Shortage Reduction Strategies within your location...
	Safety Director (Retail Background Preferred) Jacksonville, FL - posted November 3 This role is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing purpose-directed occupational safety and health programs designed to minimize the frequency and severity of customer and associate accidents, while complying with applicable regulatory requirements. This leader is the subject matter expert on all safety matters...
	Director, Loss Prevention & Safety Goleta, CA - posted September 24 The Director of Loss Prevention & Environmental, Health and Safety plans, organizes, implements, and directs HERBL's programs, procedures, and practices to ensure the safety and security of company employees and property...
	Corporate Risk Manager Central (Denver, Kansas City, Oklahoma, Little Rock & Calif.) - posted October 5 Summary of Role and Responsibilities: A proactive approach to preventing losses/injuries, whether to our employees, third parties, or customer's valuables. They include but are not limited to cash in transit, auto losses, or injuries...
	AP Lead Manhattan, NY - posted October 19 This role will conduct investigations focusing on Habitual Offenders, high impact external theft/fraud incidents through the use of company technology (CCTV, Incident Reporting, Data Analysis). This role directly teaches and trains Store Leaders and Brand Associates in the safe practices of effectively handling external theft events...
	Regional Loss Prevention Manager Houston, TX (Remote Opportunity) - posted October 14 The position will be responsible for: Internal theft investigations; External theft investigations; Major cash shortage investigations; Fraudulent transaction investigations; Missing inventory investigations; Reviewing stores for physical security improvements...
	Environmental Health, and Safety Manager Eden Prairie, MN - posted October 7 The Environmental Health, and Safety Manager will implement policies to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. Inspects the facility to identify safety, health, and environmental risks. Develops and implements inspection policies and procedures, and a schedule of routine inspections. Prepares and schedules training to cover emergency procedures, workplace safety, and other relevant topics. Read more here
	Field Loss Prevention Manager Seattle, WA - posted October 7 Staples is focused on our customer and our community. As a Field Loss Prevention Manager for Staples, you will manage and coordinate Loss Prevention and Safety Programs intended to protect Staples assets and ensure a safe work environment within Staples Retail locations...
	Asset Protection Lead Hudson Valley, NY - posted September 13 Responsible for protecting the assets of the company and ensuring a safe environment for our employees and customers. Utilizes the tools and resources available to initiate and follow through on internal investigations. Work closely with store management to increase LP awareness...

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Handling the big question - Why did you leave? is the hardest of them all if, in fact, your departure was involuntary. Like Bum Phillips, the old Houston Oilers coach, once said at a luncheon I attended, "There's two types of coaches - those that have been fired and those who are waiting to be fired." And quite frankly he was almost dead-on as over 70% of executives will face involuntary departures from an employer during their career. The best position to take is one of absolute straightforwardness. Be open - be honest - and be reflective right from the beginning. But get it over quick and deal with it right at the beginning of the interview and don't make it a long-winded response. Certainly review it - rehearse it - make sure it answers the question. But get it out of the way and move on in your own mind. Look to the future and leave it behind you.

Just a Thought,
Gus

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