TMA to Host Automation Summit, 3/28 in Las Vegas

Please join TMA in a meeting with the industry automation vendors to discuss TMA-AVS-01 implementation on March 28th, 3:30-5:00pm in Las Vegas, NV (see complete details below). For those unable to join us in-person, TMA is exploring a virtual alternative.

The meeting goals are:

•To introduce the five levels of alarm metrics as defined in the standard;

•To explore the use of different types of external data used to determine levels, using presence detection or other platforms like customer video, apps, SMS, etc.;

•To gain an understanding as to when to calculate the score;

•To discuss compliance, reporting, self-evaluations, etc.; and,

•To review how to send a standardized CAD update message with the priority levels in it while the ASAP-to-PSAP 2021 edition is being implemented.

Learn more here
 

The Great Debate Over America's 'Shoplifting Epidemic'
Retailers want federal action and tougher penalties to curb organized retail crime

Is there really a shoplifting ‘epidemic?’
Legislators in California, Florida, Louisiana and North Carolina have answered the pleas of big retailers who want stiffer penalties for shoplifters, particularly those who work in groups to steal lots of stuff, sometimes from several stores over a day or two. Louisiana moved one form of shoplifting into a category of crimes that carries a long prison sentence.

Two big groups that represent retailers have estimates of the size of the shoplifting “epidemic.” The National Retail Federation says organized retail crime, or ORC, is up. The Retail Industry Leaders Association estimated the problem to be around $69 billion a year.

The National Retail Federation says a big reason for the rise in theft is that such crimes are not vigorously prosecuted. As states hike up their retail theft penalties, the National Retail Federation is pushing Congress to pass legislation to battle the problem.

Would stronger penalties slow retail theft?

The Marshall Project’s investigation found:

An analysis of arrest data in New York shows few people committed new crimes while out on bail. And crime-deterrence research demonstrates that harsher penalties do little to prevent crime. Instead, people are much more likely to respond if they feel there’s a high likelihood of getting caught and swiftly punished.

Since 2000, at least 39 states have increased the value of stolen goods required to trigger a felony charge. States that increased their thresholds experienced the same overall decline in property crimes over the last two decades as states that did not, the analysts found.

The main focus, retail lobbyists say, needs to be on punishing the masterminds behind the crime rings who exploit the shoplifters. To do this, the federation encourages lawmakers to enact statutes that create a new category of crime: organized retail theft. The industry defines organized theft as anyone shoplifting for personal gain versus personal use. To date, the federation says it has helped enact such laws in 34 states.  poynter.org


NYC's Retail Crime Crisis: Glimmer of Hope in New Data?


Robberies, Burglaries & Shoplifting Finally Dropping in NYC
NYC murders, shootings, subway crime dropped in February, continuing downward trend, say NYPD brass
Crime stats in the subways and the neighborhoods they serve are finally moving in the right direction, with notable reductions in serious crimes, and safer days right around the corner, NYPD officials said Friday.

In February, there were 519 fewer of the seven felonies that comprise the crime rate compared to February 2022, good for a 6% drop.

Murders dropped 28% citywide last month, as police counted 26 murders compared to 36 reported in February 2022, according to the stats. Rapes dropped 22%, burglaries 15% and robberies 11% last month compared to February 2022, according to the police.

Shootings also fell, 15%, from 75 in February 2022 to 64 in February 2023, with Chief of Crime Control Strategies Michael LiPetri noting there were zero shootings last month in three commands typically among the most violent.

Optimistic police officials said the numbers don’t lie — but cynical New Yorkers weren’t buying them.

Cops concede that misdemeanor assaults are still a problem — which were up 8% on the streets and 13% in the subway system in February 2023 when compared to February 2022. The same goes for petty larcenies, up 6% above ground and 44% below over the same time periods.

LiPetri said shoplifting, which soared during the pandemic, dropped in February. The recent declines in crime follow nearly three years of a surge in crime, particularly in shootings, that began in 2020.

Last February, the NYPD assigned 1,000 more cops to the subway system and promised a renewed focus on quality-of-life offenses, with services provided for the homeless and mentally ill. A month later, it established the Neighborhood Safety Unit, tasking its officers with getting guns off the street, and announced a renewed focus on quality-of-life infractions.

Police have said the unit has helped tamp down gun violence in various neighborhoods, though the crime rate is still up significantly compared to 2019.  nydailynews.com


What's Behind NYC's Drop in Retail Theft?
Retail theft dips slightly, NYC officials vague on what led to drop
There were nearly 500 fewer sticky-fingered shoppers in the city last month — although police officials Friday were vague on what drove the welcomed dip amid an unprecedented surge.

“This is the first time that I can remember that we’ve seen a decrease in shoplifting in February,” said NYPD Chief Mike Lipetri.

Police recorded 4,276 shoplifting complaints last month compared with 4,757 the year prior, according to Lipetri, who joined Deputy Mayor of Public Safety Phil Banks during his new weekly public forum.

The just-over 10% dip could only be credited to a “collaborative effort” with businesses, pols and district attorneys.

The NYPD’s crime strategies chief dodged the question of whether cops made more shoplifting arrests.

The Big Apple has seen a historic rise in shoplifting complaints over the last few years. In 2022, more than 63,000 reports for retail theft were made — a 45% jump from 2021 when just over 43,000 complaints were recorded. In 2019, the tally was just under 38,000.

It’s so bad in Midtown, the 34th Street Partnership has hired its own K-9 units to deter the thieves. nypost.com


States Continue to Target Organized Retail Crime


Another ORC Task Force Seeing Results
Arizona task force targets organized retail theft of baby formula, SNAP benefits
Authorities revealed the results of a six-month investigation into organized retail theft in Arizona on Thursday, including thousands of cans of baby formula seized by investigators.

“Those participating in organized retail theft are on notice that in Arizona, their organizations will be disrupted, they will be apprehended, and they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Attorney General Kris Mayes said in a press release.

The Organized Retail Theft Task Force investigation, which is ongoing, is a joint effort of the Arizona Department of Economic Security, Gilbert Police Department and U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Phoenix Police Department also participated.

“Organized retail theft and fraud harms all of us, from the victims themselves to regular Arizonans facing increased prices that result from theft,” Mayes said. “I want to thank our state agency and law enforcement partners, as well as our retail partners, for their support and work on this investigation.”

In addition to 3,200 cans of baby formula, the task force uncovered the theft of approximately $1.2 million in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits from over 2,700 victims.

More than 1,200 cloned SNAP Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards were also seized, including skimming devices and equipment used to make fake EBT cards. ktar.com


Nevada AG Introduces New ORC Bill
AG Introduces Bill for Office to Investigate, Prosecute Organized Retail Theft
Attorney General Aaron D. Ford this morning presented Assembly Bill 50 to the Assembly Committee on Judiciary.

The bill, according to AG Ford, would allow the office of the Attorney General to investigate and prosecute organized retail theft crimes.

AG Ford says organized retail theft crimes are criminal actions in which thieves target retailers to steal a large amount of products, and then resell the items in different venues either in-person or online.

The bill would also allow the office to investigate counterfeit goods and fraudulent transactions.

AG Ford's office points to a 2021 National Retail Foundation Survey, which named Las Vegas as one of the top 10 cities impacted by organized retail crimes.  2news.com


Crime Continues to Close Stores Across the Nation


Walmart Pulls Out of Portland Amid Crime Surge
Walmart Set to Close All Stores in Portland amid Record-Breaking Retail Theft
Walmart announced its plan to close its final two locations in Portland, Ore., at the end of March following underwhelming financial results.

“We have nearly 5,000 stores across the U.S. and unfortunately some do not meet our financial expectations,” the corporation said in a statement according to KPTV. “While our underlying business is strong, these specific stores haven’t performed as well as we hoped.”

The closures, which will result in nearly 600 employees being laid off, come after a statement by Walmart CEO Doug McMillion in December 2022 noting that record-breaking retail theft had undercut the company’s economic performance of late.

“Theft is an issue. It’s higher than what it has historically been,” McMillon told CNBC. Prices “will be higher and/or stores will close,” the executive added if Oregon authorities failed to address rampant shoplifting.

Companies shuttering stores in Portland has become increasingly common. Last year a clothing store, Raind PDX, shut down operations with the company specifically citing the cost of doing business in the wake of historic retail theft.

“Small businesses (and large) cannot sustain doing business, in our city’s current state. We have no protection, or recourse, against the criminal behavior that goes unpunished,” a letter posted on the company’s store read. “Our city is in peril.”

In a similar vein, Nike and Cracker Barrel locations closed in 2022 with companies citing similar reasons.

In late February, Walmart announced a series of other closures across the United States including in Florida, Illinois, Arkansas, and Wisconsin. nationalreview.com


Portland Store Calls It Quit Amid Theft Surge
After 19 shoplifting incidents in a year, a store at Washington Square mall is calling it quits

Shoplifters have hit the upscale consignment store 19 times, stealing more than $56,000 in luxury bags, clothing and shoes over the past year.

Portland, OR: The small business owner hoped the mall location, right next to the retail giant Nordstrom, would bring more eyes to her luxury merchandise. What she didn’t realize was many of those watching were thieves.

Over the past year, crooks have hit Consign Couture’s Washington Square location 19 times, stealing more than $56,000 dollars in merchandise, according to the owner.

After a year in business at Washington Square, Young plans to close her shop at the end of March. She's not renewing her lease. Consign Couture can't absorb the losses or pay for security in the same way big retailers can, she said.

"The amount of work that goes into running a small business, down to the research, tags and training to do this the right way and then someone just steals a day's worth of all your work, it's like — 'What’s the point?'" asked Young. kgw.com

In Case You Missed It: Apple abruptly closes NC store after series of shootings


Another Mall Grapples with Increasing Violence


Another Mall Beefs Up Security Following Shooting
Update: Mall addresses recent shooting, announces more security measures
The shooting at Northlake Mall on Feb. 28 along with other crimes at the mall has prompted additional security efforts.

“Northlake Mall was devastated to learn of the events of February 28, and is grateful that everyone is safe. Still, this reckless act―and other crimes committed in recent months―have shaken our community. We stand hand-in-hand with our valued retailers in prioritizing the safety and well-being of Mall employees and the many shoppers who enjoy our retail experience, and will continue to ensure that anyone who enters the Mall can do so comfortably,” according to a statement from mall leadership.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department already has a ‘robust’ presence at Northlake Mall, according to the statement, and there is 24-hour security. Still, additional efforts are underway to prevent additional incidents.

“We are rolling out additional security measures to further fortify the property and provide peace of mind to our community. Northlake Mall is unwavering in its mission to ensure the Mall is a premier retail destination―one that is unburdened by acts of violence and other misconduct that have no place in this wonderful community,” the statement reads.

“The Northlake Mall has been a vigilant and dedicated partner on these incidents in ensuring a safe environment for our community. They are working on several safety measures through a continued partnership with CMPD. Public safety remains our top priority, and we look forward to our continued work with the mall, area businesses, community members and others as we address these incidents,” CMPD Chief, Johnny Jennings said. wbtv.com

‘People don’t feel safe’: Violence at Northlake Mall taking toll on nearby businesses

Northlake Mall, CMPD vow changes after spate of shootings

New York Businesses Make 180-Degree Shift from Mask Mandates
Police are urging stores to enforce mask-free mandates in order to cut down on crime

New York police say shoppers should take off face masks before entering stores
Face masks, once an essential Covid-19 protective measure, are now being worn by criminals to conceal their identities, according to New York police who are urging businesses to unmask customers before letting them in stores.

The recommendation is a 180-degree turn from mask-wearing norms at the onset of the pandemic. During peak periods of infection, federal agencies mandated mask-wearing in public places, while many businesses required customers to wear them on the premises.

Now, however, some businesses are banning customers from entering the premises with face masks on, saying the policy change is needed to identify thieves. And after numerous incidents, the New York Police Department is urging business owners to make shoppers remove their face masks and flash their features before being let in.

He acknowledged that during the pandemic, most businesses wouldn't allow patrons to enter stores without masks, and sometimes even gloves. Pre-pandemic, however, most businesses wouldn't allow you to walk in there with a mask and latex gloves on, he said.

"Condition of entry"

"We're asking the businesses to make this a condition of entry: That people, when they come in, they should show their face, they should identify themselves," Maddrey added. "And if they feel like they want to put their mask on after they identify themselves for their safety, by all means, they should do so."

"It can be a condition of entry that a mask is removed, and once the person is identified, they can put their mask back on for safety," he said. cbsnews.com


America Gets Through Winter Without Massive COVID Surge
The Winter COVID-19 Surge That Never Came

Is it the first surge-less winter of many? Or could it make Americans complacent and fuel an increase once immunity levels have waned?

The predictions ranged, but some of the warnings were stark: 100 million Americans could be infected with COVID-19 in what would be a massive fall and winter surge. Ultimately, though, the U.S. ended up with its first winter of the pandemic without a large wave of coronavirus.

“This winter there was no major surge similar to what we have seen before,” says Ali Mokdad, an epidemiologist with the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington. “No major increase in hospitalization or mortality. And that's true across the Northern Hemisphere, where winter is what we expect from now on as we will have a seasonal increase in COVID-19.” usnews.com


Is the COVID-19 pandemic over?

COVID: Indoor masking still recommended for 10 Florida counties