Target Teaming Up with DHS to Fight Theft
Target announces major policy change with Homeland Security to combat theft as shoplifting scourge shutters stores

Target have announced it will team up with Homeland Security to tackle soaring theft after it was forced to shut several stores.

On Tuesday, the beloved chain issued a statement to customers listing the ways it will strive to combat criminality in its stores.

"At Target, we take the decision to close stores very seriously, and only do so after taking meaningful steps to invest in the guest experience and improve business performance," the statement began. "With that said, we have made the difficult decision to close nine Target stores across four states, effective Oct. 21.

"In this case, we cannot continue operating these stores because theft and organized retail crime are threatening the safety of our team and guests, and contributing to unsustainable business performance."

The company then lists its store policy changes, namely its decision to team up with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations. It comes after Target made the shocking announcement that it will pull the plug on nine stores in major cities due to the spiralling crime.

Closures in New York City, Seattle, and Portland, are coming after Target CEO Brian Cornell warned that historically high crime rates could force other execs to make tough decisions.

"We cannot continue operating these stores because theft and organized retail crime are threatening the safety of our team and guests, and contributing to unsustainable business performance," Target said in a news release. the-sun

Big Cities Suffering as Crime Closures Continue to Pile Up
Target's closings because of crime protect its profit, but at expense of communities and customers

Retailers cutting their losses in big cities already facing post-pandemic challenges is yet another hurdle for major downtowns hoping to re-establish their vitality.

Closing stores is an extreme measure to combat crime and safety concerns, and while Target's move was one of the strongest recent examples of that, it isn't alone. In San Francisco, several stores have closed, including Nordstrom and a new Whole Foods.

Retailers cutting their losses in big cities already facing post-pandemic challenges is yet another hurdle for major downtowns hoping to re-establish their vitality.

"At the end of the day, I think those were struggling locations, and I think the theft and security was a real issue, but it was really a combination of factors," said Tom Gillpatrick, a business professor at Portland State University and founder of the school's Center for Retail Leadership. "It's a changing of the urban environment."

Before Target's closures, Nordstrom shuttered both its stores in downtown San Francisco this summer because of what it called the city's changing dynamics. Whole Foods also closed its downtown store this year because of worker safety, while San Francisco-based Old Navy shuttered its flagship store on Market Street as well.

Walmart closed its two Portland stores and four of its eight Chicago stores earlier this year, explaining the Chicago ones had not been profitable since the company opened the first one nearly 17 years ago. Outdoor retailer REI also said it will close its Portland store after numerous break-ins. startribune.com


California's Workplace Violence Prevention Bill Becomes Law
'Establishing new workplace violence prevention standards in California'

Governor Newsom Signs Into Law Comprehensive Workplace Violence Prevention Legislation

The law requires employers to develop workplace violence prevention plans as part of their injury and illness prevention programs.

On September 30, 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law Senate Bill (SB) No. 553, which requires virtually every California employer to take certain steps to prevent or respond to workplace violence. The new law adds Section 6401.9 to the Labor Code and goes into effect on July 1, 2024.

• On September 30, 2023, Governor Newsom signed into law SB 553, establishing new workplace violence prevention standards in California.

• The law requires employers to develop workplace violence prevention plans as part of their injury and illness prevention programs.

The law requires employers to implement a comprehensive workplace violence prevention plan with very specific components and procedures. The law also requires employers to:

• record violent workplace incidents or threats in a violent incident log;
• provide effective training to all employees; and
• maintain records related to the workplace violence prevention plan. ogletree.com


Oakland's Doom Loop: Crime Rising, Stores Closing & Public Losing Trust
Oakland Fails to Combat Retail Theft: Consequences & Solutions

The Devastating Impact of Oakland's Failure to Apply for Government Grants to Combat ORC

Oakland has failed to apply for these crucial grants, devastatingly impacting the city's ability to tackle organized retail theft effectively.

The consequences of Oakland's failure to apply for government grants to combat ORC

Target's decision to close stores in Oakland, San Francisco, and Pittsburg due to high levels of organized retail theft highlights the consequences of Oakland's failure to apply for government grants to combat this issue. This decision was made due to the threat posed by organized retail theft, which has caused significant property loss and made for an unsustainable business performance. The closure of these stores not only affects Target's business operations but also has a significant impact on the local communities and economies.

Understanding the consequences of Oakland's negligence in applying for government grants

Without financial support, Oakland can't implement effective strategies, resulting in a rise in crime rates. This lack of funding erodes trust and confidence in Oakland's ability to safeguard businesses and communities. Neglecting the opportunity to secure funds for innovative technologies and programs worsens the situation. The consequences are extensive, impacting the economy and residents' sense of security.

Conclusion

These grants provide resources for increased law enforcement, improved security measures, and community outreach programs. It's imperative that Oakland rectifies this failure to prevent further economic decline and encourage potential investment in the city. original.newsbreak.com


Sheriff Blasts Zero-Bail Policy That Took Effect Oct. 1
LA County Sheriff Robert Luna talks zero-bail policy, retail thefts and more
When it comes to fighting organized retail thefts, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department received a boost thanks to more than $15 million in funds from the state.

Sheriff Luna plans to use the added money to enhance response capabilities and investigative responsibilities. Luna called the crimes "unacceptable" and said he's committed to working with the business community. His department would also like to prosecute not only those who steal from retail stores, but also people who drive the suspects to the scene of the crimes and people who knowingly buy stolen goods.

Meanwhile, a controversial new zero-cash bail will take effect Oct 1. During Eyewitness Newsmakers, Sheriff Luna discussed the options available to deputies when it comes to criminals and addressed potential actions for suspects who are repeatedly arrested.

"It's frustrating, but what we're trying to do is give this new process a chance. I'm very concerned about it," he said. Sheriff Luna did not discuss deputy gangs in depth, but called them "unacceptable." He's pushing for more training, and formed an office to work on policies moving forward.

The sheriff said he's not a big advocate for the death penalty, but believes suspects who ambush law enforcement should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, which includes the death penalty. abc7.com


Using California's New ORC Funding to Fight Theft
New tech & more: Modesto police plan to strike back on retail theft with $6M grant

The new funds will enhance the operations by allowing the department to fund overtime for officers to focus on theft cases and much more.

Modesto Police Department was awarded $6,003,419 by the California Board of State and Community Corrections.

Captain Adams says they are already working with businesses to tackle the issue. However, the new funds will enhance the operations by allowing the department to fund overtime for officers to focus on theft cases. They also plan to hire a third civilian investigator and buy new technologies and even more license plate readers to get ahead of the problem.

Modesto police hopes all these efforts will reduce crime, support and attract businesses and increase the quality of life. abc10.com


Body-Worn Cameras to Fight Store Theft
UK: Aldi offers staff body-worn cameras amid shoplifting surge
Aldi has become the latest supermarket to offer staff body-worn cameras in a bid to deter shoplifters. Chief executive Giles Hurley said the move was being trialled in a handful of the supermarket’s stores as crime rates across its portfolio surged.

“With body cams, we currently have a trial which is underway in part of our business, exploring what benefits we can derive from that for our colleagues.

Hurley said the cameras were among “a range of security measures in place”, which also include checking customers’ shopping bags at the checkouts, to respond to the rise in crime.

Tesco revealed at the start of the month that shop workers had been offered body cameras following an increase in violent attacks.

Fellow grocer Morrisons has also launched a body-worn camera trial in 25 of its locations, with the possibility of rolling it out further, in response to the recent wave of crime. retailgazette.co.uk


London: UK: New national police intelligence unit to crackdown on shoplifters
Squad will finally treat crime on par with robbery, burglary and fraud as organised gangs plunder Britain's high streets, garden centres and even charity shops Shoplifting will be treated as a 'high-harm' cross-border crime on par with robbery, burglary and fraud by a new specialist national police team. The squad of intelligence analysts will be tasked with identifying the organised criminal gangs blamed for fuelling a 37 per cent increase in shoplifting in a year - with high street stores, garden centres and even charity shops targeted. High street giants including John Lewis, Co-op, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Waitrose and Next are each pumping £60,000 into the operation, dubbed Project Pegasus. The unit will see police and retailers across the UK pool their intelligence to target repeat offenders. It is part of a wider crackdown on shoplifting to be announced by ministers and police chiefs over the next fortnight. Katy Bourne, the police and crime commissioner for Sussex and the national lead for business and retail crime, said gangs had been evading justice due to the lack of a coordinated national approach.  dailymail.co.uk


More businesses reporting organized retail theft to police in Charlotte

The Los Angeles wave of retail theft spreads to The Grove

Opinion: The fall of Lululemon — how stores surrendered to looters

Walmart Hit with $20 Million Lawsuit from Store Shooting Survivor

The Hayes Report on Loss Prevention
Quarterly - Fall 2023 - Vol. 38 No. 43

Topics: Cargo Theft-Holiday Alert - Holiday Challenges - Apprehensions & Dollar Recoveries Soar in 2022 - Testing For Success - Believe It or Not - The Bulletin Board

Mark Doyle Talks --- 2023 Holiday Season is Fast Approaching

Are you ready for the upcoming holiday season and the influx of both customers and thieves? I say, bring on the customers and all the sales increases, but let’s do our best to limit the thieves and shoplifters. I think the use of quality greeters and great customer service will be key this holiday season to limiting our losses, as well as properly utilized anti-theft equipment. In addition, with the increase of seasonal/temp associates, be sure to maintain your audit program to ensure all company P&P and Shrink Program requirements continue to be adhered to during this busy season. Until next year...

Click here to read the full newsletter


Security Gaps At Airports Give Criminals an Edge
Criminal Gangs Exploit Security Gaps to Infiltrate Airports
While there has always been some degree of threat posed by insiders, experts say the mass hiring after the dropping of pandemic-era travel restrictions has given criminal entities the chance to plant or recruit new accomplices as they work to re-establish their own operations.

Blackwell said the number of serious security incidents recorded by ISARR involving airport insiders worldwide so far this year is 48, up from 35 for all of 2022. Those include a cargo handler in Miami being arrested after allegedly stealing $1.2 million worth of Samsung cellphones from a DHL freight container, and two United Airlines bag handlers in San Francisco being charged with removing marijuana from checked luggage and sneaking it out disguised as trash in 20-gallon bin bags.

Security training was difficult to conduct during the pandemic and there has been a lot of pressure on resources to provide that training to new staff since then, which the U.N.’s ICAO said has added to the vulnerabilities. Workers who left their jobs while on furlough but who still have access codes to secure areas of airports and insider knowledge of operations also pose a risk, the agency said.

“If you ask an airport security manager what keeps them awake at night most would say the insider threat,” said Philip Baum, managing director of aviation-security consulting firm Green Light. wsj.com


Retail Bankruptcies Coming Soon?
11 retailers at risk of bankruptcy in 2023

From Joann and Rite Aid to Petco and The Container Store, here’s who’s most at risk in the next 12 months.

The first nine months of 2023 have seen big-name retailers including David’s Bridal, Bed Bath & Beyond and Party City file for bankruptcy. And more could be on the way.

Fitch’s own list of vulnerable retailers includes players like 99 Cents, At Home, Belk, Rugs USA and Joann. CreditRiskMonitor, which labels companies with a FRISK score to measure the probability of them filing for bankruptcy within 12 months, listed 11 noteworthy retailers and brands with either a 4% to 10% chance of filing for bankruptcy or a 10% to 50% chance.

The story of who files and who doesn’t often comes down to debt, according to David Silverman, senior director of Fitch Ratings’ U.S. retail team.  retaildive.com