The Rise of 'Shoplifting Deniers'
Opinion: Shoplifting is a real problem. Denying it doesn’t help.

The costs of shoplifting at supermarkets and pharmacies add up.

It’s hard to pick just one favorite form of internet insanity, but, if I had to, it would definitely be shoplifting denialism.

Over the last few years, shoplifting has clearly become a bigger problem. We’ve seen videos of brazen shoplifters casually walking off with goods while helpless security guards watch. Retailers tell us it’s a problem, one that’s forcing them to close some of the hardest-hit stores. If you live in one of those areas, it’s also visible in your daily shopping: the locked cases at your drugstore, the signs banning knapsacks or oversize totes, the armed guard who recently appeared at the exit of my local supermarket, checking receipts.

Yet if you observe as much on social media, you are almost sure to meet an angry response from the “shoplifting truthers.” They will dismiss it as a moral panic and declare that companies are blaming shoplifting for their own poor management, though they will not explain why those managers suddenly went crazy and started locking up their merchandise and hiring armed guards. If you point to viral videos or store closures, they will demand to see police reports, though shoplifting frequently goes unreported. You might also hear that a Walgreens executive admitted the company had exaggerated the threat. (In fact, in a 2023 earnings call he said that the “shrink” rate had spiked the year before, then came down as the company beefed up security.)

The reason they fight so hard against the evidence is that the shoplifting boom is frequently blamed on progressive de-policing policy. In fairness, though they’re wrong to deny shoplifting is happening, they’re right that it’s too simplistic an explanation.

Many chains that close stores are troubled for other reasons. As my colleague Marc Fisher lays out in a new Atlantic essay, the surge in shoplifting is a complicated problem that has something to do with policing, yes, but can also be traced to many other factors: social media accounts that spread how-to tips on shoplifting, online marketplaces where goods can be unloaded, lighter store staffing and corporate policies that discourage employees from aggressively pursuing shoplifters. Not to mention organized retail crime rings and the opioid epidemic. washingtonpost.com


7-Eleven Putting Big Money Behind Crime-Fighting Prop 36
In Case You Missed It: 7-Eleven owners back Prop 36 with $1 million check following wave of robberies

Prop 36 aims to increase punishments for some theft and drug possession offenses.

7-Eleven owners, city officials and law enforcement rallied together Thursday to support Prop 36, after a string of brazen smash-and-grab robberies. From Anaheim to Pico-Robertson, 7-Elevens across Southern California have been targeted by thieves. The rally for Prop 36 comes just days after a 7-Eleven was ransacked and two employees were assaulted in Hollywood.

Prop 36 aims to increase punishments for some theft and drug possession offenses. The 7-Eleven franchise owner whose store hosted the press conference said passing Prop 36 will benefit not only business owners but also citizens.

“I’ve operated in this area for nearly 25 years and have seen the growth in crime rates firsthand,” said Franchisee Jawad Ursani. “We need Prop 36 to ensure that businesses can operate without fear of crime and that Californians feel safe in their communities.”

Over $2 million was raised by Franchisees and 7-Eleven, Inc. in support of the proposition. Franchisees made the most recent donation of $500,000 which was matched by 7-Eleven, Inc to show support to business owners and the communities they serve.

“Today’s event is a testament to the dedication of our Franchisees and the entire 7-Eleven family,” said Randy Quinn, Senior Vice President of Franchise Operations for 7-Eleven, Inc. “We cannot accept a status quo that allows crime to flourish. Together, we are taking a stand.”

Franchisees who have fallen victim to retail crime also spoke at the event about their experiences.

In a statement, 7-Eleven wrote they will continue to advocate for a safer environment for the community and business owners throughout California as the November election approaches.  nbclosangeles.com


The Great Debate Over Migrant Crime
Opinion: No, You’re Not Imagining a Migrant Crime Spree

Four years of open borders and sanctuary policies have brought criminal drug networks, human trafficking, and an epidemic of sexual assault.

The idea of a migrant crime wave was a myth, media outlets proclaimed, noting studies of Texas incarceration data from years ago, which seemed to suggest that illegals commit crimes at low rates. This ignored other surveys, based on federal multistate data, which show a far more troubling reality. And after years of a migrant border “surge”—with countless asylum-seekers inadequately vetted and then allowed to enter the U.S.—state law-enforcement agencies now warn that immigrant gangs have seized control of many drug- and human-trafficking networks and have unleashed robbery sprees across the nation. With polls showing Americans alarmed about illegal immigration—a majority even backing mass deportations—Virginia governor Glenn Youngkin reflected public anger when he charged that “every state” is now “a border state.”

Underlying the escalating controversy is the sheer number of migrants entering America during the Biden administration. In a 2020 debate with Trump, Biden seemed to encourage an immigration surge, and it followed soon after his election, with about 8 million people, on some estimates, flocking to the U.S. border without applying first for legal entry. The administration has released up to 3.3 million of them into the U.S. to await immigration hearings, many of which won’t occur for years. At the same time, the number of immigrants who enter by avoiding border security and remain fraudulently in America has also skyrocketed, to an estimated 1.6 million to 1.7 million since Biden’s election, compared with about 1.4 million over the entire previous decade.

Yet, even as more illegals arrived, removals of those convicted or accused of a crime have dropped. In 2021, illegal immigrants deported because of accusations or convictions of lawbreaking fell to 45,432, from a high of 123,128 in 2019, according to Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s annual report on enforcement-removal operations; in 2022, ICE removed just 46,400 aliens. Similarly, ICE prosecutions of illegals for criminal actions have plunged by two-thirds, from 6,739 in 2019 to just 2,208 in 2022. city-journal.org


Cargo Theft Continues to Surge Ahead of Holidays
Insider says organized crime groups the ‘primary drivers’ of increased cargo theft
With the busy holiday season approaching, new data shows that cargo theft numbers continue to surpass those from the previous year.

According to CargoNet – a Jersey City, N.J.-based data- and information-sharing company – a total of 776 thefts occurred in the third quarter of the year, marking an increase of 14% when compared to the third quarter of 2023.

The company reported that over that span, the total value of stolen freight exceeded $39 million. While the data does show a slight decline from the second quarter of 2024 – around 1.6% – CargoNet said it expected that gap to close with “delayed reporting.”

In its report, the company noted a shift in the types of loads being targeted by cargo thieves in the third quarter, with footwear, computers, high-end audio systems and hard liquor being the most sought-after freight. Conversely, CargoNet said that solar panels, motor oils and energy drinks saw a decline in targeted theft over the three-month window.

In terms of where cargo theft was at its highest, California, Illinois and Texas accounted for 52% of all thefts in the third quarter of 2024. The same three states were atop that list in the second quarter, as well, with 57% of all reported thefts occurring within their borders. landline.media


How Prop 36 Could Impact Immigrants
California crime measure Prop. 36 could increase deportations
A tough-on-crime ballot measure that appears destined to pass could lead to more Californians being deported, immigrant advocates warn.

Proposition 36 would reclassify certain misdemeanor drug and theft offenses as felonies, which means immigrants convicted of those crimes are more likely to face deportation if they have a case before an immigration court, the advocates said.

“It is not an understatement to say that if Prop. 36 passes, more Californians, including green-card holders, including refugees, will be deported,” said Grisel Ruiz, a supervising attorney with the Immigrant Legal Resource Center. “The impacts will be pretty disastrous.”

In California, where almost half of all children have at least one parent who is an immigrant, advocates are worried the measure could have ripple effects for families and communities. The initiative on the Nov. 5 ballot would allow prosecutors to impose stricter and longer sentences by using prior convictions as sentence enhancements. calmatters.org


Proposition 47 study provides insight on upcoming Proposition 36

Newark makes camping on public property a crime, limiting homeless options
 

How Tech Can Help Retail Address New Threats & Vulnerabilities
Navigating the new terrain: Pioneering smart solutions in retail
In the dynamic world of retail, the pace of change has accelerated dramatically, driven by technological innovation and a shared commitment to exceeding customer expectations. The evolution from traditional retail practices to a digitally powered ecosystem reflects a broader industry-wide movement towards more intelligent retail practices.

Yet, the retail sector faces a unique set of challenges. The escalation of organized retail crime, the surge in cyber threats and the impacts of global events like COVID-19 have unveiled critical vulnerabilities in current operational models. These challenges demand a strategic overhaul, urging retailers to rethink their retail security and customer service approach.

Historically, the response to these challenges has been to adopt the latest digital and emerging technology tools — ranging from advanced analytics for customer insights to sophisticated security systems for asset protection. The industry has evolved from basic security models to creating secure shopping experiences, leveraging technologies such as AI-driven video platforms, RFID for inventory management, and IoT devices for enhanced awareness. Despite these advancements, the reality is that our efforts often fall short of addressing the root causes of retail vulnerabilities.

The center of the issue lies in handling the vast data generated by these technologies. While designed to empower security operators, loss prevention teams and store managers, the sheer volume of information can overwhelm them, leading to missed insights and delayed responses to critical incidents. The need for a shift in approach is clear: retailers must move away from isolated technological investments and embrace an integrated, intelligence-driven approach that enhances operational efficiency and security.

This understanding directs retailers towards a new vision for security management and loss prevention in retail: platforms that aggregate and analyze data from multiple sources and translate this information into actionable insights. Such systems enable retailers to swiftly identify trends, anticipate customer needs and respond to security threats precisely and effectively.

Achieving this vision requires foundational changes. Retailers need open, scalable platforms that support easy integration with existing and future technologies, facilitating seamless data flow and analysis.  securitymagazine.com


10,000 Price Cuts by the End of Year
Target cuts prices on 2K items for the holiday season

It’s the second time in less than six months that the retailer has lowered prices. By the end of the year, the company said it will have reduced prices on 10,000 items.

Target plans to reduce its regular prices on over 2,000 items across its owned and national brand assortment this holiday season, the company said Tuesday. The price cuts are on holiday gifts, toys, board games, health and beauty products, snacks, beverages and grocery items.

The company previously announced a round of price cuts on 5,000 items in May. Target said Tuesday it surpassed that goal by lowering prices on over 8,000 items this year to date. By the end of the holiday season, Target says it will have cut prices on over 10,000 items.

The lower prices will be reflected online, in Target’s app and in-store with red tags, a company spokesperson said. However, stores in Alaska and Hawaii are not participating in this pricing promotion. retaildive.com


Stop & Shop reportedly closing seven Massachusetts stores Oct. 31

These five retail brands account for 13% of Spirit Halloween locations...