Apply Today for Vector Security Networks' 2023 LPF Scholarships

Scholarships support LPQ & LPC certification for LP professionals & hopefuls

Loss prevention professionals, as well as those who aspire to work in loss prevention in the United States and Canada, can apply for Vector Security Networks’ annual Loss Prevention Foundation (LPF) scholarships now through March 31, 2023.

The scholarships provide financial support to loss prevention professionals or hopefuls seeking to obtain LPQ and LPC certifications. Vector Security began awarding the scholarships in 2009 in support of career development and continuing education for professionals in this important and rapidly-evolving industry.

A total of 327 scholarships valued at more than $323,500 have been awarded since the program began. The scholarships cover all course and examination fees for LPF’s Loss Prevention Qualified (LPQ) or Loss Prevention Certified (LPC) certifications.

This year, 10 LPQ and 10 LPC scholarships will be awarded to U.S. based professionals, while another five LPC scholarships will be awarded to those based in Canada. The deadline for submissions is March 31, 2023.
 

Details and application information can be found at
www.vectorsecurity.com/lpf-vs-scholarship
 

35,000-Foot View of Anti-Theft Measure Impacts
Shoplifting deterrents can drive down sales
San Francisco and Oakland are among the top areas affected by organized retail theft, according to a recent survey, but efforts to combat theft can cause sales to drop.

Why it matters: Precautions to prevent a rise in retail theft mean everything from toothpaste to laundry detergent to baby formula is kept under lock and key. But these safeguards are deterring shoppers from making in-store purchases, Axios' Kelly Tyko reports.

State of play: Large metro areas where retail theft has been higher often have more inventory behind locked cases than rural areas, and San Francisco and Oakland together rank second on the list of areas most affected by organized retail crime, according to the National Retail Federation's 2022 National Retail Security Survey.

• Locked cases can cause sales to drop 15% to 25%, Joe Budano, CEO of anti-theft technology company Indyme, told Axios.

• The inconvenience of locked cases — and having to find an employee to open them for things like razors, body wash and technology items — end up driving customers to shop online, GlobalData retail analyst Neil Saunders said.

• Stolen merchandise is also often sold on online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay and Facebook, Saunders said.

Between the lines: Earlier this year, Walgreens said it may have overblown concerns about retail theft at its stores.

What to watch: In December, state Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance) introduced a bill (AB 23) that would lower the threshold for more serious retail theft from $950 to $400.

• "We need to protect our communities against retail theft crimes, or the 'smash and grab' crimes that have become commonplace," Muratsuchi previously told Axios. axios.com


Is Portland the Epicenter of Retail's Theft Crisis?
(Update) As Retail Crime Intensifies in Portland, Stores Close or Wind Down

Waves of crime in Portland, Ore., have prompted some retailers to wind down their businesses there.

Waves of crime in Portland, Ore., have prompted some retailers to wind down their businesses there. Walmart confirmed to FN this week that it will close the last two of its stores in Portland by March 24. The news comes months after Walmart CEO Doug McMillon told CNBC that its stores are grappling with an increase in organized retail crime.

Walmart’s U.S. communications director said these stores, located at Hayden Meadows and East Port Plaza, were underperforming and did not confirm if the closures were a result of increased retail crime in the city.

In recent weeks, Portland police have increased efforts to crack down on organized retail theft via specifically targeted operations in areas of high theft, KGW8 reported. On Sunday, Portland police conducted a retail theft “blitz” mission in northeast Portland to help curb shoplifting at businesses in the area, KPTV reported.

A Nike Community Store in Northeast Portland was also reportedly impacted by waves of crime in the region, which likely prompted the closure of the store for weeks, between October and November, KGW8 reported.

Outside of Portland, retail theft is plaguing other industry players. Target CEO Brian Cornell said in November that the company has seen “a significant increase in theft and organized retail crime” across its business and has invested in new training and technology to combat the problem, which is typically driven by organized crime rings that sell stolen goods online.

Rite Aid in September also noted a $5 million headwind from shrink, mainly in its New York urban stores. Retail crime has also been especially problematic in California. In October, Cotopaxi closed its San Francisco store after a stream of smash-and-grab thefts hit the store. yahoo.com


Soft-on-Crime DA Fueling Portland's Crime Crisis?
Soros-backed DA creating lawless, 'free-for-all' mentality, trial attorney says
Crime increased in Portland for the third year in a row in 2022, according to police data, and district attorneys in neighboring counties say lack of prosecution is part of the problem — one that could spill into the rest of the state.

"That difference in prosecutions does result in some public safety challenges because crime doesn't just limit itself to one particular county based on geography," said Washington County District Attorney Kevin Barton, who oversees the second-largest county in the Portland area. "Criminals move from county to county. So if your neighbor's not taking care of business, it will impact your home."

Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt prosecuted half of all misdemeanor theft cases referred to his office last year, according to data provided by a spokesperson. At the same time, Portland business owners complained of repeated attacks by thieves and vandals. Property crime reports increased 11% compared to 2021, according to Portland Police Bureau data.

Portland's neighboring Washington and Clackamas counties filed charges in 91% and 84% of misdemeanor theft cases, respectively, according to their district attorneys. In Washington County, Barton said about 90% of those charges result in convictions. Alleged criminals are aware of the discrepancy.

Kristin Olson, a trial attorney and native Portlander, said criminals feel like "it's a free-for-all" in her city.

"We can't just not prosecute misdemeanor crimes because that creates societal decay, and it creates an overall sense of lawlessness," Olson said. "If we're letting these people go left and right because we don't believe in bail and we don't believe in incarcerating them, then they know they can commit these crimes with impunity. And we don't feel safe."  foxnews.com


Another Mall Faces Backlash Over Security Following Shooting
Shoppers afraid to return to Hattiesburg mall after shooting
People in Hattiesburg are shaken up after a shooting at Turtle Creek Mall on Saturday, March 4. Shoppers and neighbors said they’re in disbelief that a shooting would happen inside of the mall. Those who were inside the mall at the time say it was a chaotic dash for safety.

Hattiesburg police said a 16-year-old girl and an 18-year-old man opened fire on each other during a fight, sending crowds running from the mall. Deborah Dent said she’s afraid to return to the mall.

Mall management said they take security measures seriously and want customers to feel safe.

“We appreciate the quick action of the Hattiesburg Police Department (HPD) and other responding agencies during this weekend’s incident. We will continue to work with them during their investigation. In addition to maintaining a close working relationship with HPD, we evaluate our security measures on an ongoing basis, making adjustments as necessary. Our top priority is to maintain a comfortable and convenient environment for our customers, retail partners and employees,” said a spokesperson for the mall in a statement.

Hattiesburg police said the 16-year-old suspect is expected in court on Monday. wjtv.com


America's Mass Shooting Epidemic Continues
U.S. surpassed 100 mass shootings in only 64 days
The U.S. has surpassed 100 mass shootings in 2023 on Sunday, according to the Gun Violence Archive (GVA), which defines mass shootings as situations in which at least four people are shot and either injured or killed, not including the shooter.

Why it matters: Only 64 days have passed so far this year, meaning there have been more mass shootings than days in the U.S. thus far.

The 100th mass shooting of the year left three people, including a child, dead and another person injured in Bolingbrook, Illinois.

The big picture: The U.S. didn't exceed 100 mass shootings until March 19 in 2022 and March 22 in 2021, according to GVA data.

There were 52 mass shootings in January, 41 in February and 11 so far in March — a total of 104 so far. At least 7,537 people have also died as a result of different forms of gun violence in the country so far this year.

There were 647 mass shootings in 2022 and another 690 in 2021. axios.com


States Continue the War Against ORC
Delaware, New Jersey & Pennsylvania Targeting Retail Theft
There is no denying it – thieves have become smarter. And grocery retailers in Delaware are not immune to the trend.

“All retailers are facing an uphill battle dealing with organized retail crime,” said Julie Miro Wenger, executive director of the Delaware Food Industry Council.

The DFIC has been working with other retail associations to form the Mid Atlantic Loss Prevention Symposium, which will be held in November. “We are partnering with New Jersey and Pennsylvania to hold the multi-state conference,” Wenger said.

She added that the DFIC also is participating in the Merchants Payments Coalition to look for “federal relief from the interchange fees passed on retailers from Visa and Mastercard.”   theshelbyreport.com

 
One nation, under gun violence: America tops 100 mass shootings in 2023

Dem Senate leader to vote for GOP resolution overturning DC crime bill

Is Your Business Ready?
How Employers Should Prepare for the End of the COVID-19 Emergencies
In late January, the Biden administration announced that the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) and national emergency will end May 11. The pronouncement marks the beginning of a significant phase in the ongoing pandemic, as well as the ending of a series of benefits enabled by the emergencies.

Employers need to do a few things in anticipation of the pandemic emergencies ending, experts said. Reviewing health plan terms for COVID-19-related coverage and reviewing benefits terms or offerings made under temporary pandemic relief laws and guidance is a good first step. Additionally, getting assistance and guidance from insurers and third-party administrators is important, Symons said. HR and benefit leaders would be wise to talk with them about how they want to handle the end of the emergencies and what changes they need to make in their plans.

Another important piece is communicating with employees about the end of the PHE and national emergency and how it will affect them, said Kim Buckey, vice president of client services at Optavise, a Carmel, Ind.-based benefits administration firm.

Communication with employees about cost changes is especially important, as employees have gotten used to COVID-19 tests and vaccines being covered at no cost. Employers also need to make sure employees are aware of the special enrollment changes, Symons said.

Ultimately, "[t]here are a lot of changes that will need to be administratively handled at the employer level, but also communicated out," Symons said. shrm.org


Should Companies Have to Pay for Remote Work Expenses?
Amazon worker loses bid for California class action over remote work expenses
Amazon.com Inc on Tuesday defeated a proposed class action lawsuit on behalf of nearly 7,000 workers in California that claimed the company should have reimbursed employees who worked remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic for home office expenses.

U.S. District Judge Vincent Chhabria in San Francisco said the named plaintiff, David Williams, failed to show that Amazon had a company-wide policy of not reimbursing employees for internet, cell phone and other costs, and the judge denied his motion to certify the workers as a class.

The judge said that more than 600 of the 7,000 proposed class members were reimbursed $66.49 on average for home internet expenses, and some were reimbursed in full. Williams' motion for class certification was denied without prejudice, meaning he can file a renewed motion later on.  reuters.com


Mask and Vaccination Changes in California
California will change mask and other COVID rules again
The California Department of Public Health announced a number of updates to pandemic health orders regarding masks, vaccination and isolation. The updated COVID-19 polices will go into effect in the coming weeks, and Sacramento-area residents also should be aware of rules governing the cost of COVID testing and vaccinations and changes for people covered by Medi-Cal during the pandemic.

Gov. Gavin Newsom concluded his COVID-19 state of emergency on Feb. 28, signaling a symbolic end to orders that protected people against the disease. Sacramento and Yolo counties also ended their states of emergency last week and the Sacramento region remains at a medium community level, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Meaning the agency recommends but does not require high-risk individuals to wear face coverings in public indoor settings. The majority of California counties are in a low-risk level, according to the CDC, with 11 in medium and zero counties in the high category. sacbee.com


Remote Work is 'Good For The Workplace and The Hunt For Talent'

Covid booster jab to be offered this spring
 

Shifting the mindset around retail returns

Data, collaboration and sustainability initiatives all present opportunities to decrease returns

David Johnston
VP, Asset Protection and Retail Operations

Returns in retail are unavoidable, and the explosive growth of ecommerce and retailers offering options like buy online, return in store means customers are returning more product than ever. Considering the impact on profit, that’s a big concern.

However, savvy retailers are bringing more attention to the process, turning potential loss into opportunities to improve customer satisfaction, advance sustainability efforts and limit fraudulent returns.

Returns account for $816 billion in lost sales across the U.S. retail marketplace, according to the 2022 Consumer Returns in the Retail Industry report, conducted by the National Retail Federation and sponsored by Appriss Retail.

As a percentage to sales, year-over-year rates remained flat at roughly 17% in 2022 and 2021, but up from nearly 11% in 2020. Online return rates decreased over the past two years from 21% to 17%, falling in line with overall return rates.

A couple of key events might explain the rise since 2020, and the subsequent stabilizing over the past two years. Continue Reading


Why Retailers Fail to Adopt Advanced Data Analytics
Advanced analytics have been available to businesses for years and are getting better all the time, but with a few big exceptions most retailers still use very basic tools. They do this even though they understand the advantages that analytics have given their competitors. What is holding them back from more fully embracing analytics? To find out, the authors interviewed 24 global retail executives in the Americas, Europe, and Asia and found that six factors are the primary sticking points. In this article they discuss those six factors and offer retailers some suggestions for how to move forward and profit from what advanced analytics have to offer.

The researchers, led by the University of Chicago, told the Harvard Business Review, that executives “told us they face a critical lack of employees with the right skills to design and use analytics tools. What they need most are employees who can bridge functional gaps — translators, that is, between analytics and the business.”  hbr.org


Washington Post Uncovers The Details of the Gov't's FRT Development
FBI, Pentagon helped research facial recognition for street cameras, drones

Internal documents released in response to a lawsuit show the government was deeply involved in pushing for face-scanning technology that could be used for mass surveillance

The FBI and the Defense Department were actively involved in research and development of facial recognition software that they hoped could be used to identify people from video footage captured by street cameras and flying drones, according to thousands of pages of internal documents that provide new details about the government’s ambitions to build out a powerful tool for advanced surveillance.

Many of the records relate to the Janus program, a project funded by the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Agency, or IARPA, the high-level research arm of the U.S. intelligence community modeled after the Pentagon’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, known as DARPA.

Program leaders worked with FBI scientists and some of the nation’s leading computer-vision experts to design and test software that would quickly and accurately process the “truly unconstrained face imagery” recorded by surveillance cameras in public places, including subway stations and street corners, according to the documents, which the ACLU shared with The Washington Post.

In a 2019 presentation, an IARPA program manager said the goal had been to “dramatically improve” the power and performance of facial recognition systems, with “scaling to support millions of subjects” and the ability to quickly identify faces from partially obstructed angles. One version of the system was trained for “Face ID … at target distances” of more than a half-mile.

The improved facial recognition system was ultimately folded into a search tool, called Horus, and made available to the Pentagon’s Combating Terrorism Technical Support Office, which helps provide military technologies to civilian police forces, the documents show.

The Horus tool has since been offered for use to at least six federal agencies, and their feedback is “continuing to be used to refine the tool,” Department of Homeland Security officials said last year.  washingtonpost.com


"J.C. Penney is bumping along the bottom with very little ambition to pull itself up.”
J.C. Penney hasn’t had to release its finances since 2020. Here’s how the retailer is doing.

The department store insists it’s on a “strong financial footing,” but filings show ongoing volatility under its post-bankruptcy ownership.

As of Oct. 29, the company’s cash and cash equivalents had dwindled from $354 million the previous year to $121 million. In the first nine months of 2022, net income plummeted 43.6% to $176 million, according to filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

“It is unsurprising that J.C. Penney has seen performance slide,” GlobalData Managing Director Neil Saunders said by email. “The range is as bland as ever, with not much to excite shoppers.”

Detailed financial information on the company is being provided to the SEC by Copper Property CTL Pass Through Trust, a property trust tasked with selling some of its stores. The available filings don’t include comparable sales, though the company said in its email that those are up in some areas. retaildive.com

Turning customers into unpaid employees to decrease labor costs
Rhode Island Wants to Limit Self-Checkouts in Grocery Stores
Among other measures, bill would require grocers give customers 10% discount for checking out their own groceries.

Under a proposed bill, grocers would not be allowed to have more than eight self-service checkout stations operating at any one time per location. Plus, those with self-checkouts also must have a minimum of one staffed checkout per self-checkout.

Democratic representative Megan Cotter is sponsoring the bill, H5161. Cotter says the bill is meant to start a conversation about corporations’ ever-increasing use of self-checkout lanes to reduce the employment of cashiers.

Another reason given for restricting self-checkouts in Rhode Island is the increased risk for shoplifting, credit card theft and hacking of customer's personal information associated with this form of checkout. progressivegrocer.com


Recession Coming? Not So Fast
Cuts at Amazon, Other Tech Companies Don’t Spell Recession Yet

Slowing corporate profits, rising rates are warnings signs amid a slump in tech and property activity

Amazon.com Inc.’s halt to construction of a new headquarters, on top of a parade of high-profile tech layoffs, looks ominous for the economy. But the damage will need to spread much further to signal full-blown recession.

When the U.S. has entered recession in the past, weakness has often started in one sector and then spread like brushfire, pulling down a widening array of industries and the people who work in them. Yet a close read of recent history is more reassuring. Some industry fires don’t spread.

The latest readings of the job market suggest the broader U.S. economy is still growing at a healthy pace. wsj.com


Audit of the FBI ($12.7B) Annual Financial Statements Fiscal Year 2022

Amazon ‘Just Walk Out’-enabled frictionless stores coming to campuses

How Barnes & Noble turned a page, expanding for the first time in years


Quarterly Results

Dollar Tree Q4 Dollar Tree comp's up 8.7%, FD comp's up 5.8%, Enterprise up 7.4%, total sales up 9%
Dollar Tree FY Dollar Tree comp's up 9%, FD comp's up 2.4%, Enterprise up 5.9%, total sales up 7.6%

Casey's General Store Q3 Inside comp's up 5.6%, Fuel comp's down 0.5%, total inside sales up 8.2%, total gallons up 3.7%, total sales up 9.1%

Dick's Sporting Goods Q4 comp's up 5.3%, net sales up 7.3%, FY comp's down 0.5%, net sales up 0.6%

Office Depot Q4 Business Solutions sales up 10%, OD Stores down 3%, total sales up 3.1%
Office Depot Q4 Business Solutions sales up 10.9%, OD Stores down 7.7%, total sales up 0.3%

Ross Stores Q4 comp's up 1%, sales up 3.8%, FY comp's down 4%, sales down 1.1%
 

Senior LP & AP Jobs Market

Assistant Director, LP job posted for Hy-Vee in West Des Moines, IA
Performs loss prevention duties which involve asset and profit protection efforts through operational audits, merchandise protection, identifying and correcting loss related risks in the assigned district area. Conducts internal, external and fraud investigations. Accountable and Reports to: Group Vice President, Loss Prevention; Assistant Vice President, Loss Prevention. hyvee.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com