Some Cities See Major Drops in Shoplifting
What's fueling the drop - tougher laws, fewer stores?

St. Paul & Minneapolis report among largest decreases in shoplifting, study finds
A new study of shoplifting in 24 cities (reported in the D&D Daily yesterday) found reports were up in the first half of this year compared to the same time in 2019, but St. Paul and Minneapolis were among the cities with the biggest drops in shoplifting reports.

The Council on Criminal Justice notes in its report released Tuesday that it doesn’t examine possible reasons for the trends.

“Potential factors include changes in retailers’ anti-theft measures and changes in how retailers report shoplifting to law enforcement, which could be based on their perceptions of the extent to which local police or prosecutors will apprehend suspects and pursue criminal charges,” the report says.

In St. Paul, for example, some big-box stores that were open in 2019 no longer have stores in the city, including Walmart and T.J. Maxx.

“There are many factors that contribute to crime trends in St. Paul, and we are encouraged that our numbers are down,” said Alyssa Arcand, a St. Paul police spokeswoman.

“There have also been many changes as to what shopping looks like for our community. Businesses come and go, but strategies by businesses to address theft are ever evolving. In the future, we will continue to work with our local retailers and business owners to ensure the safety and security of everyone who shops and works in St. Paul.”

St. Petersburg marked the biggest decrease in reports at 78 percent, followed by St. Paul at 65 percent and Minneapolis at 57 percent.

Minnesota enacted a new law about organized retail theft — stealing to sell goods to other people — that took effect Aug. 1 and the Hennepin County attorney’s office recently was the first in the state to bring charges under it. twincities.com

RELATED: Crime wave: Here are the top U.S. cities where shoplifting has jumped
 

In Case You Missed It:

New Retail Crime Task Force Activated in NYC
NYC plans new retail task force to fight shoplifting after 64% jump in thefts
The city is starting a new task force to tackle an epidemic of shoplifting, which has soared by 64% since 2019, Mayor Eric Adams said Wednesday. The new team is led by Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks and includes all five of the city’s district attorneys as well as Attorney General Letitia James, Albany’s top prosecutor, according to a press release.

The mayor's announcement came five months after he rolled out a city retail theft strategy following a December Gracie Mansion summit with many of the same leaders included on the task force.

That powwow was held as city businesses reeled from high profile smash-and-grab heists that proliferated nationwide during the COVID-19 pandemic and brazen small-time shoplifters who were newly exempt bail due to the state’s controversial 2019 bail reform law for non-violent offenders.

The announcement also came as the Council on Criminal Justice published a report that found the city had led the nation in shoplifting increases since the year before the pandemic, edging out Los Angeles for the dubious distinction.

However, the report did note that theft was down in the first half of 2023 in the five boroughs compared to the same time period last year, while burglaries in LA continued to rise.

The new task force would advise the mayor on proposed laws to address the scourge and share intel between departments to better crack down on shoplifting trends, officials said.

“New York City’s retailers are the heart and soul of our city, and retail theft hurts everyone, from our mom-and-pop shops to large department stores — and especially consumers,” said Adams.

“Because of the collaborative actions taken in the last few months between government, the private sector, law enforcement, and, most importantly, local businesses, retail theft is down this year, but there is always more work to do,” the Democrat continued. nypost.com


Deploying License Plate Readers to Crack Down on ORC
Mayor London Breed pushes to expedite approval for license plate readers
San Francisco Mayor London Breed has requested that the Board of Supervisors expedite the approval process for installing 400 new automated license plate readers across the city.

Why it matters: The San Francisco Police Department is already approved to use the technology under a $17.3 million state grant for combating organized retail theft. But actual deployment could be held up under a local ordinance that requires a second round of city approval.

Details: The 2019 ordinance prevents deployment of certain technologies or adjustments to how they're used unless it clears additional hearings.

The big picture: While overall crime in San Francisco dropped between 2019 and 2022, SFPD data shows the city experienced a 42% increase in car thefts.

The trend was recorded in other major cities throughout the country, but San Francisco in particular has faced criticism as restaurant and store closures increased due to concern over crime.

Installing a network of license readers would be a game-changer, according to police chief Bill Scott, allowing the SFPD to more easily identify vehicles and those suspected in serial crimes like retail theft, auto burglaries, vehicle theft and catalytic converter theft.

Of note: Breed has announced a public safety ballot measure that would allow police to bypass the city's current approval process during pilot periods of certain types of surveillance equipment, such as drones, for up to one year. axios.com


UK's Retail Association Calls Out the King on "Retail Crime Soaring"
UK: BRC urges government to freeze business rates and tackle rising retail crime
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has called on the government to prioritise the concerns of the retail sector, in response to the speech made by King Charles III yesterday.

On Tuesday, 7 November, King Charles gave his first King’s Speech as monarch, which outlined the government’s priorities for the year ahead.

BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson offered her comment on the government’s response to inflation: “We welcome the Government’s pledge, within the King’s Speech, to ‘continue to take action to bring down inflation, to ease the cost of living for families, and help businesses fund new jobs and investment’

In the face of rising retail crime, Dickinson added: “At a time when retail crime is soaring, with daily news headlines on the violence and abuse of our nation’s shopkeepers and organized shoplifting from our stores, we need action. The industry has been loud and clear on the urgent need for a standalone offence for assaulting or abusing a retail worker, sending a clear signal that such behavior will not be tolerated. It would also require police forces to record all incidents of retail crime, allowing for better allocation of resources to the issue.

“Sadly, while today’s speech promised future legislation on a number of crime-related issues, retail crime has been left to fester. It’s time for the government to get tough on retail crime and support the millions of retail workers across the country who serve us each and every day. No one should have to go to work fearing assault or abuse.” retail-jeweller.com


UK: Project Pegasus Founding Member Rolls Out Body Cams in All 960 Stores
Lidl to roll out body cams for UK store staff
Following an investment of over £2 million, the rollout is expected to be completed by the spring of 2024.

The supermarket said it will be training all staff on the use of the technology to make sure the cameras are used safely and in a way that protects an individual’s privacy.

Ryan McDonnell, chief executive at Lidl GB, said: “As a business with over 960 stores across the length and breadth of the country, safety and security has always been an absolute priority for us.

Last month, Lidl became a founding member of Project Pegasus, a business and policing partnership that aims to combine law enforcement powers with industry knowledge to target serious and organised retail crime.

McDonnell added: “Amongst our own initiatives, we’re proud to be part of Project Pegasus, which presents a real opportunity for retailers, police forces, and the Home Office to work together to address the alarming rise of incidents facing retail workers every day.”  theretailbulletin.com


Canada Feeling the Same Pain in Urban Centers
Canadian Cities Urge Government Action to Revitalize Ailing Downtowns as Vacancy Soars and CEBA Deadlines Loom
The International Downtown Association Canada (IDA Canada), a national coalition, which supports organizations representing and serving business districts nationwide, said its members are concerned about the elevated vacancy rates in the downtowns of many Canadian cities.

Post-COVID-19 effects, compounded with rising costs, labour shortages, and operational barriers that include anti-social behaviours in public spaces, have harshly affected Canada’s downtown and main street businesses, said IDA Canada.

In its written submission, Pre-Budget Consultations in Advance of the Upcoming Federal Budget, IDA Canada also recommends the government address main street and downtown challenges by providing funding through the Canada Health Transfer to treat addictions and mental health in collaboration with municipalities and their social service partners for in-patient addiction support.

“Street issues, including homelessness, addiction and mental health, have become a barrier to the recovery of significant downtowns and some main streets. To ensure these places remain vibrant destinations where all community members can thrive, we ask the federal government to play a meaningful leadership role in addressing this crisis. We call upon the federal government to lead a nationwide initiative to find and share best practices for addressing street issues and subsequently coordinate government action at all levels to manage them,” said the IDA in its submission. retail-insider.com


D.C. Reverses Course and Takes Tougher Crime Stance
Will it be enough to stop the violence?

Will new D.C. crime bill stop the violence?
Mayor Muriel Bowser presented, ACT Now (Addressing Crime Trends Now Act) anti-crime legislation that targets drug dealing (drug-free zones), retail theft and the wearing of masks to commit a crime. This is the city’s latest effort to hold criminals accountable, keep neighborhoods safe and address rising rates of crime.

“This legislation reflects what our community is telling us: they want appropriate accountability for those who choose to commit crimes and inflict fear in our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Bowser at a news conference.

D.C. has seen a rise this year in both violent and property crime compared with 2022. Violent crime is up 41 percent so far in 2023, with homicide up 34 percent from 169 in 2022 to 261 as of October 26. Property crime is up 25 percent, including motor theft up 101 percent from 2,885 in 2022 to 5,805 as of October 26. Communities are alarmed and want to see something done to keep their families secure.

The mayor wants the bill to support MPD’s ability to address recent crime trends by:

• Limiting loitering by reinstating the ability of the MPD Chief to declare drug-free zones for 120 hours to prohibit people from congregating on public space for the purchase, sale, or use of illegal drugs.

• Creating criminal penalties for organized retail theft, including establishing a new crime for “directing organized retail theft.”

• Reinstating the law that makes it unlawful to wear a mask for the purpose of committing criminal acts, intimidating and threatening other people, or causing fear. new.finalcall.com


Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2023 Update
U.S. Senate: Senate Bill 140 - Combating ORC Act Adds 1 New Cosponsor
Now reaching 12 Senate Co-Sponsors - 8 Republicans, 4 Democrats. Is your member of Congress supporting the bill? Check out the list here.


Thieves Targeting Chicago Liquor Stores
Chicago police issue alert after string of liquor store robberies

Thieves are targeting liquor stores in the latest string of armed robberies.

Chicago police have issued an alert about thieves targeting liquor stores. Police said a group of men enter the stores late at night, after 8:30 p.m. They rob people inside at gunpoint and steal money from the cash register before taking off in a car. abc7chicago.com


Oakland’s Ale Industries shuts down, blames ‘rising rate of crime’
“We have been broken into 5 separate times in the last year,” says the brewery’s cofounder.

Campbell asked the state for $6 million to fight retail theft. It received $400K

Chicopee, Mass. proposes ‘real time crime center’ for enhanced public safety

NYC hate crimes against Jews surge by more than 200% amid Israel-Hamas war

Proactive Loss Prevention Measures
'Security is just as important as any other aspect of a business'

The Importance of Loss Prevention in the Retail Sector

Whether it’s a jewelry store, gas station, or dispensary, businesses within the retail sector will be prone to theft, loss, and diversion.

A myriad of variables such as shoplifting, internal theft, or a miscalculation of inventory, can be a contributing factor. Unfortunately, there isn’t an easy solution to eliminating these losses completely, but taking a proactive approach can significantly mitigate many of these concerns.

Proactive Loss Prevention Measures

Employee Training: Informative training sessions on how to recognize internal and external theft, and thus how to report and respond to these sightings can empower employees when faced with a difficult situation.

Technology: Surveillance cameras, alarm systems, and access control systems act as a powerful barrier, especially when integrated together. Cybersecurity protocols, regular software updates, speedy repairs, and employee education on safe online practices are additional ways to bolster digital security.

Risk Assessments: Collaborating with a professional security consultant to evaluate the vulnerabilities among a business is greatly beneficial when it comes to preventing losses.

Point-of-Sale (POS) System: The POS system will be able to provide a paper trail of when a product was sold, returned, or exchanged, and provide information on who was working what register during a certain time.

Conclusion

Security is just as important as any other aspect of a business, especially when it comes to preventing losses. Since it can be difficult sometimes to determine whether theft, loss, or diversion is internal or external, this is why fortifying a company with tools before an incident begins is vital. Implementing proactive procedures not only reduces the threat of loss, but also increases the safety and security of the overall premises. sapphirerisk.com


OSHA's Workplace Safety Crackdown Continues
OSHA Cites 3M for Willful Safety Violations Related to Worker Fatality

OSHA says the fatality at 3M site could have been prevented by following federal safety regulations.

A fatality at 3M could have been prevented by following federal workplace safety regulations, according to the OSHA.

An employee at a southwestern Wisconsin manufacturing plant suffered fatal injuries after becoming caught in a machine’s rotating rollers in May 2023. OSHA began an investigation after the 3M Company reported the death at its Prairie du Chien facility, home to 500 workers. OSHA inspectors learned the employee was helping to set-up a plastic extrusion line when he became caught.

The agency determined 3M violated federal regulations for the control of hazardous energy during set-up, servicing and operation of the machine. The incident followed the company’s assessment of equipment at its U.S. and Canadian plants in May 2022 after a fatality at a 3M facility in Alexandria, Minn., in February 2022.

“The tragedy of another employee’s death in Wisconsin is compounded by the fact that the 3M Company completed a corporate-wide review and determined powered rollers were hazards in need of safety improvements,” explained OSHA Regional Administrator Bill Donovan in Chicago, in a statement. “The company must address these hazards immediately to protect employees from serious injuries or worse.”

OSHA cited the company for two willful safety violations and assessed $312,518 in proposed penalties. ehstoday.com


McKinsey & Company
US holiday shopping 2023: Consumer caution and retailer resilience
After a year of modest sales growth, retailers face a critical holiday sales season. The big question on everyone’s mind: Will consumers—whose spending habits have challenged efforts at curbing inflation—finally pull back?

Although shoppers are feeling better than they were this time last year, general consumer sentiment about the US economy is one of uncertainty.

Some consumers will trade down, while others will splurge. Whatever their holiday shopping strategy, retailers are finding ways to connect with their customers.

This article presents findings from McKinsey’s ConsumerWise team and our latest Consumer Pulse Survey, which outline when consumers will shop for the holidays, how much they will spend, and what matters most to them during this time. We also recommend four actions that retailers could consider to win consumer spend through the holidays.

The survey was in the field from October 17 to October 19, 2023, and collected responses from more than 1,000 consumers in the United States (sampled and weighted to match the general US population, ages 18 to 74). These insights build on the work we have undertaken since March 2020, when we began to regularly conduct consumer surveys and combine our research and analysis with third-party data on US spending to glean insights into how consumer sentiment has shifted since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. mckinsey.com


IAM Healthcare launches campaign to unionize retail pharmacy workers
Retail pharmacy workers have told CNN that their employers have left them severely overworked and understaffed. These harsh working conditions, they say, make it difficult to safely fill prescriptions, which could put the health of their customers at risk. Now a formal unionization effort, backed by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) and pharmacy labor activists, is underway.

The announcement comes after pharmacy labor advocates launched a series of walkouts at Walgreens and CVS stores in protest of what they called unjust labor conditions. The worker empowerment project, dubbed the Pharmacy Guild, will officially launch on Wednesday morning, the group told CNN. cnn.com


Dutch Bros brews up strong quarter; sees potential for 4,000 locations

Burger King closes six more outlets as part of struggling fast food giant's plan to shutter 400 stores across America this year
 

Senior LP & AP Jobs Market

Director of Safety job posted for Meijer in Grand Rapids, MI
This position leads and is responsible for ensuring store and supply chain/manufacturing safety programming and performance. This position will also analyze internal and external safety trends and develop strategies to drive improvement and maintain compliance with regulatory standards including but not limited to OSHA, DOT and fire code compliance. This position reports to the Vice President of Asset Protection and Safety. meijer.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com


Director, Cybersecurity job posted for Carhartt in Dearborn, MI
The Director of Cybersecurity is the functional lead and responsible for establishing and maintaining a corporate-wide information security management program to ensure that information assets are adequately protected. This position is responsible for identifying, evaluating and reporting on information security risks in a manner that meets compliance and regulatory requirements, and aligns with and supports the risk posture of the enterprise. careers.carhartt.com