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12/4/20

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ADT Commercial Acquires CLS Technology Inc.

ADT Commercial announces today that it has purchased premier fire, life safety and security provider and integrator, CLS Technology, Inc., based out of Katy, TX. The purchase of CLS Technology further deepens ADT Commercial’s capabilities to serve mid-market, national and large-scale commercial customers in the Houston, TX area. This marks the organization’s 24th acquisition.

CLS Technology, Inc. has been a high-quality commercial integrator serving the metropolitan Houston area and surrounding communities for 15 years. Located 30 miles west of Houston, CLS Technology’s experienced team specializes in installing, inspecting and maintaining fire alarm, video surveillance, access control, intrusion detection, emergency notification systems, and intercom and sound reinforcement systems across a variety of commercial environments.

“We’re extremely proud to welcome CLS Technology and add their wealth of expertise to the ADT Commercial organization. Joining forces with the CLS Technology team allows us to continue to deepen our fire and life safety capabilities and services across Houston and the state of Texas, and continue to effectively deliver on our promise for service excellence in the region,” said Dan Bresingham, Executive Vice President, ADT. Read More Here

Axis announces 2020 winner of Diversity & Inclusion Scholarship

The Ahmed Elsayed Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship is awarded to D&I champions who have made a significant impact in their community and are interested in furthering their knowledge, skills and career within the security industry. Each year a winner is recognized among his/her peers for their D&I contributions and awarded a scholarship voucher which allows them to take an Axis Academy class of their choosing at an Axis Experience Center in the Americas.

Ahmed Elsayed was a Regional Sales Manager at Axis Communications, Inc., a talented engineer and security professional who supported education and championed diversity and inclusion. He was an original member of Axis' D&I Committee and an advocate for its Women in Security group. After his untimely passing in 2018, this scholarship was formed to honor his memory and continue his passion.

This year’s recipient, William Diaz Jr., is the President of Eastern Standard Consultants Inc., DBA ESC Cabling, a world-class low voltage electrical installation company based in Bronx, NY. He has over 20 years of experience in the security industry and is committed to supporting and fostering a diverse and inclusive environment in his company. Mr. Diaz Jr. has chosen to attend a Network Audio Fundamentals Academy course in March 2021 as his award. Read More Here

Protests & Violence

Police Report on 2020 Protests & Civil Unrest:
2,000+ cops injured over 2-month period, with 2,300+ incidents of looting

Over 2,000 police officers sustained injuries in the line of duty during the first weeks of demonstrations that began May 26 over the death of George Floyd while in custody of the Minneapolis Police Department one day prior.

The Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA), a professional organization of police leaders, representing 78 of the largest law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and Canada, released a report in October detailing the civil unrest that spread through MCCA members cities from May 25 to July 31, leading to 2,037 injured officers.

During that roughly two-month period, the report showed there were 8,700 demonstrations that occurred in 68 major cities and counties in the United States and Canada. In a single jurisdiction, the largest number of protests were in Los Angeles County and New York City, with each reporting over 1,000 events.

Of the 8,700 demonstrations, 574 were declared riots that included violence and other criminal activity. Ninety-four percent of major city police agencies dealt with a least one protest that included unlawful but non-violent acts, like disrupting a public roadway. For 79 percent of agencies, at least one demonstration involved violence, and about 72 percent reported officers harmed during protests.

Houston had the largest number of people in a single event with 60,000 demonstrators. More than 62 percent of Portland, Oregon, demonstrations included violence, with more than 100 consecutive nights of riots.

While the report concludes that just 7 percent of demonstrations were violent and that most of the violent acts were committed by individuals or small groups, the staggering number of demonstrations were a challenge for law enforcement.

Looting was a common occurrence (2,385 instances), with 62% of major city law enforcement agencies indicating that at least one incident of looting occurred in their cities. This activity was primarily clustered during the first few days of protests. Of note, several agencies reported that in some instances, the looting appeared to be coordinated and organized. For example, some cities encountered “looting caravans” that moved throughout different neighborhoods. One agency reported 115 commercial burglaries occurred in just one day. Two other agencies reported $927,000 worth of damage as a result of looting in each of their jurisdictions, and another agency reported a single looting event at a shopping mall that resulted in over $70 million in damage. americanmillitarynews.com

Homicide rate increased 34% in the fall compared to 2019, but it's slightly better than this summer's peak violence
The homicide rate in major U.S. cities jumped by an average of 34% in September and October compared to the same period in 2019, new data shows.

While significantly higher than 2019 homicide rates, the increase in the fall is less than the nearly 42% jump in homicides cities recorded during the summer between June and August compared to the same months in 2019, according to regularly updated data from the nonpartisan National Commission on COVID-19 and Criminal Justice.

The findings represent the most "sizeable increase in homicide" University of Missouri-St. Louis Professor Emeritus Richard Rosenfeld said he's seen in at least five years since the last wave of protests related to police violence took place throughout the U.S., but COVID-19 has most likely made violence worse. foxnews.com

Minneapolis violence surges as police officers leave department in droves
Nearly six months after George Floyd’s police killing sparked massive protests and left a wide swath of the city burned and destroyed, Minneapolis is grappling with dueling crises: an unprecedented wave of violence and droves of officer departures that the Minneapolis Police Department warns could soon leave the force unable to respond to emergencies.

Homicides in Minneapolis are up 50 percent, with nearly 75 people killed across the city so far this year. More than 500 people have been shot, the highest number in more than a decade and twice as many as in 2019. And there have been more than 4,600 violent crimes — including hundreds of carjackings and robberies — a five-year high.

Most of the violence has happened since Floyd’s killing on Memorial Day, and some experts attribute it in part to the lingering anger over the slaying and the effects of the coronavirus, including job losses and the closure of community centers and other public spaces. washingtonpost.com

San Francisco police union clears way for civilians, not cops, to respond to non-violent calls for help
The president of San Francisco’s police union has signed a letter of intent with the city that clears the way for non-sworn service providers — instead of police officers — to respond to calls involving mental health, homelessness and other non-violent issues. The document itemizes 17 types of calls for service in which police union officials agree civilians could be the primary responders. This list includes homelessness and quality of life calls, non-criminal mental health calls, juvenile disturbances, public health violations, traffic congestion, parking violations and dog complaints. sfchronicle.com

The Five Safest and Deadliest States for Both COVID-19 and Gun Violence

These Are the 2020 Safest and Least Safe Cities in America

Kenosha Protest Shooting Suspect Kyle Rittenhouse Ordered To Stand Trial

COVID Update

US: Over 14.5M Cases - 283K Dead - 8.5M Recovered
Worldwide: Over 65.9M Cases - 1.5M Dead - 45.6M Recovered

Private Industry Security Guard Deaths: 225
Law Enforcement Officer Deaths: 157
*Red indicates change in total deaths

‘We have not yet seen the post-Thanksgiving peak,’ Fauci warns as US cases soar

Nearly 213,000 new coronavirus cases were reported across the United States on Thursday, the highest figure yet.

And at least 2,500 covid-19 deaths were reported for the third consecutive day, marking the deadliest stretch since the pandemic began.

But the government’s top infectious-disease expert said the record-setting surge doesn’t fully account for the expected increases after Americans traveled and gathered for Thanksgiving. “We have not yet seen the post-Thanksgiving peak,” Anthony S. Fauci said Friday. “That’s the concerning thing, because the numbers in and of themselves are alarming.” washingtonpost.com

California to impose regional stay-at-home order to ease Covid hospitalizations, governor says

Retail stores could operate at 20% capacity - Restaurants only take-out and delivery

California will impose a limited stay-at-home order on certain regions of the state where Covid-19 cases are placing a strain on intensive care units, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Thursday.

The state will be split into five regions — the Bay Area, Greater Sacramento, Northern California, San Joaquin Valley and Southern California. If the remaining ICU capacity in a region falls below 15%, it will trigger a three-week stay-at-home order, Newsom said.

The order would require bars, wineries, personal services, hair salons and barbershops to temporarily close. Personal services are businesses like nail salons, tattoo parlors and body waxing, according to the state’s website. Schools that meet the state’s health requirements and critical infrastructure would be allowed to remain open, and retail stores could operate at 20% capacity and restaurants would be allowed to offer take-out and delivery.

So far, none of the regions have triggered the stay-at-home order, though every part of the state is expected to at some point in December. Newsom said he anticipates four of the five regions to have less than 15% ICU capacity “as early as the next day or two.” The Bay Area is projected to reach that milestone by mid-to-late December, he said. cnbc.com

Florida newspaper investigation finds state government
misled public on Covid as cases rose
Florida this week became the third US state to record a million coronavirus cases and yet the public there has been misled by state leadership about the extent and dangers of the pandemic, especially in the run-up to the presidential election, an investigation has concluded.

Governor Ron DeSantis’s administration has been engaged in a pattern of spin and concealment about Covid-19 amid the gravest health threat the state has ever faced, according to a South Florida Sun Sentinel investigation.

According to the newspaper, DeSantis influenced a state administration that “suppressed unfavorable facts, dispensed dangerous misinformation, dismissed public health professionals, and promoted the views of scientific dissenters” who supported the governor’s ambivalent approach to the disease. theguardian.com

Can your employer require you to get a COVID-19 vaccine to go to work?
If you're wondering whether your employer can require you to get a COVID-19 vaccine to return to work, the short answer is yes. But that doesn't mean employers won't face a "legal minefield" if and when they decide to implement a vaccination policy.

Although employees can be required to take a test as a precondition of their returning to work, according to trial attorney Misty Marris, "there is no world where there is a COVID-19 mandatory vaccination policy that doesn't have exceptions to it."

As the U.S. waits for the COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer/BioNTech, as well as Moderna, to get emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration, employers have to be ready to set up a framework for how employees will be allowed to come back safely. For both public and private employers this may mean encouraging employees to get vaccinated or implementing mandatory vaccination programs.

The Emergency Operations Center (EOC), which has issued guidance to employers throughout the pandemic, says the virus meets the standard of a "direct threat." Since the virus is deemed a direct threat, employers have the ability to implement health checks in the workplace that would not normally be allowed under federal law in pre-pandemic times, according to Marris. This means employers have the ability to take someone's temperature before they come in or tell someone that they need to leave because they are exhibiting symptoms. foxbusiness.com

Cheesecake Factory settles with SEC over misleading Covid risk disclosures,
a first for a public company
The Cheesecake Factory is the first company to be charged by the SEC for misleading investors about the coronavirus pandemic’s financial impacts. The restaurant company has agreed to pay a $125,000 fine. According to the SEC, Cheesecake Factory violated reporting provisions when it failed to disclose how much cash it was burning through and that it would not pay its April rent. cnbc.com

NYC Virus Positivity Rate Surpasses 5%, Highest Level In 6 Months

Indiana is 2nd in nation for hospitalizations per capita - behind only South Dakota

Biden says he plans to ask Americans to wear masks for his first 100 days in office

These States Have COVID-19 Mask Mandates

Biden says he will join former presidents in publicly getting COVID vaccine

Priority for COVID Vaccine Is Health-Care Workers but Not All Want It

Meatpacker JBS Removes 200 At-Risk Workers from Beef Plant Amid Covid-19 Surge

More than 50% of organizations plan to increase investment in building technology to protect health & safety of occupants
The findings of Johnson Controls' annual Energy Efficiency Indicator survey finds that more than half of organizations plan to increase investment in energy efficiency, renewable energy and smart building technology next year, comparable with investment trends after the 2010 recession.

Of the factors determining investment, according to the findings, 85% of respondents said that reducing energy costs was a very or extremely important driver of investment and more than three-quarters (76%) believe that protecting the health and safety of occupants during emergencies was a very or an extremely important driver of investment.

In an increasingly digital world, the integration of systems has become more important than ever. Three-quarters (75%) of respondents’ organizations have invested in the integration of security systems with other building technology systems, a 36% increase from the 2019 study.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the need to improve the health and safety of buildings, particularly by increasing their ability to operate under different conditions, both planned and unforeseen,” said Clay Nesler, Vice President of Global Energy and Sustainability at Johnson Controls. prnewswire.com

The economy added 245,000 jobs in November,
the slowest month of growth since recovery began
The U.S. economy added 245,000 jobs in November — the slowest month of growth since spring and a warning for the recovery in the months ahead as infections surge to new heights across the country. The November unemployment rate ticked down to 6.7, from 6.9 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, but the decrease was largely due to workers leaving the labor force.

Retail jobs were down 35,000; bars, restaurants and other food-service establishment places lost 17,000. The shift to online shopping was reflected in increased hiring for warehousing workers — mostly delivery couriers. But retail declined overall even as the holiday season — typically a boom time for retailers — was getting into swing.

Of the 12 retail sub-sectors tracked by the Labor Department, 10 posted their worst month of the recovery. washingtonpost.com

U.S. bans cotton imports from China producer XPCC citing Xinjiang 'slave labor'
The Trump administration expanded economic pressure on China’s western region of Xinjiang, banning cotton imports from a powerful Chinese quasi-military organization that it says uses the forced labor of detained Uighur Muslims.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency said on Wednesday its “Withhold Release Order” would ban cotton and cotton products from the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC), one of China’s largest producers.

The ban against XPCC, which produced 30% of China's cotton in 2015 could have a sweeping effect on companies globally involved in selling textiles and apparel to the United States. reuters.com

Retail Trade Groups Issue Joint Statement on XPCC Cotton Prohibition
The American Apparel and Footwear Association, National Retail Federation, Retail Industry Leaders Association, and The United States Fashion Industry Association responded to an announcement from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) this week, on enforcement action regulating cotton imports from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) of China to address widespread human rights abuses.

Our industry condemns forced labor and strives to eradicate it whether in China or elsewhere in the world. We are on the frontlines of efforts to ensure forced labor does not taint our supply chains or enter the United States. We welcome increased efforts by the U.S. Government and other entities to address the human rights abuses, including forced labor and the persecution and detention of Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in China. We note that today’s action is focused specifically on XPCC, which is already the subject of sanctions the industry is helping to enforce. nrf.com

Chinese dissident targets Apple, Nike, others after report says they lobbied to weaken forced labor bill

U.S. Law Enforcement takes action against approximately 2,300 money mules in global crackdown on money laundering
The U.S. Department of Justice, the FBI, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and six other federal law enforcement agencies announced the completion of the third annual Money Mule Initiative, a coordinated operation to disrupt the networks through which transnational fraudsters move the proceeds of their crimes. Money mules are individuals who assist fraudsters by receiving money from victims of fraud and forwarding it to the fraud organizers, many of whom are located abroad. Some money mules know they are assisting fraudsters, but others are unaware that their actions enable fraudsters’ efforts to swindle money from consumers, businesses, and government unemployment funds.

Over the last two months, U.S. law enforcement agencies took action against over 2,300 money mules, far surpassing last year’s effort, which acted against over 600 money mules. This year, actions occurred in every state in the country. The initiative announced today targeted money mules involved in a wide range of schemes including lottery fraud, romance scams, government imposter fraud, technical support fraud, business email compromise or CEO fraud, and unemployment insurance fraud. Many of these schemes target elderly or vulnerable members of society. justice.gov

Six Men Charged for Scheme Defrauding Businesses of Luxury Goods & Services

Chicago Rapper G Herbo, 5 Others Charged With Using Stolen Credit Info For Flights, Vacations, And Designer Puppies

Six men - including Chicago rapper G Herbo - were charged in an indictment unsealed on Wednesday for their alleged participation in a nation-wide scheme to defraud dozens of businesses across the United States of luxury goods and services.

Antonio Strong, 28, Herbert "G Herbo" Wright, 24, Joseph Williams, 28, Steven Hayes Jr., 27, Demario Sorrells, 34, and Terrence Bender, 28, all from the greater Chicago, Illinois area, were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, along with various identity theft charges.

The indictment alleges that the defendants, often presenting themselves as musicians and promoters, engaged in a nation-wide scheme to defraud businesses and individuals across the United States of goods and services by using fraudulently obtained credit card account information. These goods and services included trips on private jets, private yacht charters, private chef and security guard services, designer puppies, limousine and chauffer services, and commercial airlines flights, among other things. The defendants allegedly used pseudonyms, including the names of other real persons, and purported to be from real and fictitious businesses to perpetuate the scheme and for the conspiracy to avoid detection from law enforcement. justice.gov chicago.cbslocal.com

Francesca's files for Ch. 11 bankruptcy protection, plans to close 140 stores

Japanese retailer in business for 1,020 years and counting

2020 Holiday Sales: How, Where and When Consumers Are Buying

All the News - One Place - One Source - One Time

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Kmart’s Troubles Worsen As Struggling Retailer Falls Victim To Ransomware
US department store Kmart, which is already battling widespread store closures, has been hit by a ransomware attack that has knocked out the retailer’s back-end services. Bleeping Computer first reported on the attack, having obtained a ransom note that confirmed the 'KMART' Windows domain was compromised in the attack.

The attack is believed to have encrypted a number of servers operating on the Transformco network owned by Transform Holdco, which acquired Sears and Kmart back in 2019, and has allegedly knocked out the company’s back-end services.

The 88sears.com site, used internally, is also offline, which employees confirmed to Bleeping Computer was as a result of ransomware attack.

The ransomware has been traced to the Egregor operation, which is known for stealing unencrypted files before deploying their ransomware. The ransomware operation then threatens to post the data on ransomware data leak sites if a ransom is not paid. Other well-known companies recently attacked by Egregor include Barnes and Noble, Crytek and Ubisoft.

It remains unclear whether the attackers stole data, how many devices were encrypted, or the ransom amount demanded by the Egregor cybercrime group, Bleeping Computer notes.

At the time of writing, the retail chain’s stores appear to be operating normally, and Kmart has not yet commented on the cyber attack. forbes.com

That email about your delivery could be fake:
Phishing scammers increase their attack on online shoppers

Cyber criminals are looking to take advantage of the holiday shopping season. That could put personal and corporate data at risk.

More online shopping means people are receiving more emails about the shipment and deliveries of their orders and cyber criminals are actively looking to take advantage of this with phishing emails impersonating internationally known shipping companies. And while these campaigns predominantly target consumers, they're also dangerous to businesses too.

Researchers at cybersecurity company Check Point say there's been an over 440% increase in shipping-related phishing emails over the past month. There's been a spike in these attacks around the world, with Europe seeing the biggest surge, followed by North America and the Asia Pacific region.

The emails are designed to look like they come from shipping companies and retailers, and feature messages claiming that there's been a "delivery issue" or urging users to "track your shipment".

Shoppers who've ordered items online are likely to be concerned about any potential problems around delivery, so could easily open the emails and end up falling victim to cyber criminals.

Malicious hackers could potentially use these attacks as a gateway to gaining entry to corporate networks – and approach that could me much more lucrative than stealing bank account information. zdnet.com

DHL, Amazon and FedEx are most phished delivery services

DHL has emerged as the most imitated delivery brand in Europe, accounting for 77% of the total volume of phishing emails received in November 2020

With many retailers closed amid the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, delivery-related phishing scams more than quadrupled in volume across Europe during November 2020 amid record-breaking levels of pre-holiday online shopping. DHL accounted for 77% of the total volume of shipping fraud, followed by Amazon (37%) and FedEx (7%), according to Check Point.

Delivery scams will generally be designed to trick their recipients into disclosing their personal details by pretending to involve some kind of delivery issue or to offer shipment tracking, both playing on widespread fears around missed or lost deliveries. computerweekly.com

UK's National Cyber Security Centre Releases 2020 Annual Review
The United Kingdom (UK) National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has released its Annual Review 2020, which focuses on its response to evolving and challenging cyber threats. Recognizing cybersecurity as a “team sport,” the publication includes highlights of NCSC’s collaboration with many partners, including the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). us-cert.cisa.gov

K-12 schools hit hard with cybersecurity breaches this fall with no end in sight

What's in Store for Privacy in 2021

Fraud Spikes During Holiday Shopping Weekend
14% rise in suspected 2020 holiday weekend e-commerce fraud

TransUnion released new findings around online retail trends during the start of the 2020 global holiday shopping season. The research shows a 1% decrease in suspected online retail fraud worldwide during the start of the 2020 holiday shopping season compared to the same period in 2019, a 59% increase from the same period in 2018 and a 14% increase from all of 2020 so far.

The findings are based on the same-store sales analysis of TransUnion’s e-commerce customers during the traditional start of the global holiday shopping season, Thanksgiving to Cyber Monday.

These findings mirror the recent conclusions in TransUnion’s 2020 Consumer Holiday Shopping Report that found 50% of U.S. consumers are concerned with being victimized by fraudsters this holiday season. The concern is relatively uniform across generations, though TransUnion found Gen X are the most worried about being victimized at 53%.

Heading into the holiday shopping season, the TransUnion Financial Hardship Study conducted from Oct. 28 to Nov. 5, 2020 found 37% of 9,515 consumers surveyed globally said they had been targeted by digital fraud related to COVID-19, a 28% increase from the same survey the week of April 13, 2020. securitymagazine.com

'Record Number of Fraud Attempts'
Holiday Shopping Means Fraud Is on the Rise. Here’s How to Stay Protected
Studies show increased shopping volume typically results in a rise of fraud attempts over the holiday season. But online fraud has already been increasing for much of 2020, as more shoppers flocked to online shopping amid stay-at-home orders and ongoing public health concerns resulting from the pandemic. As a result, the record volume of online purchases predicted this holiday season could result in a similar record number of fraud attempts.

Fraudsters seek out opportunity, and when more people shop online, those opportunities grow. Right now, people are especially vulnerable, says Vanita Pandey, vice president of marketing and strategy at Arkose

Labs, an online fraud prevention technology company. “The propensity for someone to fall victim to these crimes is high, and I believe that fraudsters have all of that information ready to go as the holiday season approaches.”

Here are four major risks you should look out for while shopping online this holiday season:

1. Account Takeover
2. Social Media Scammers
3. Gift Cards
4. Phishing time.com

Walmart ditching online shipping minimum is all about competing with Amazon Prime

BBB warns of sharp rise in online puppy scams

$3.6M ORC Operation Targeting Walmart Stores in 13 States
Polk County, FL: PCSO Organized Retail Crime Unit arrests suspects involved in nationwide multi-million dollar theft ring
Polk County Sheriff’s Office Organized Retail Crime Detectives, working with the Attorney General's Office of Statewide Prosecution, Ashley Moody, Attorney General, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigations, developed five suspects—all from Georgia—during an investigation that started in August of 2019 at the Auburndale Walmart where three men were conducting suspicious merchandise returns. Two suspects have been arrested, one suspect died of natural causes, and two suspects are at large—both have warrants for their arrest. There are three additional suspects that investigators are attempting to identify.

“While much of the country was busy social distancing and taking measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the criminals executing this expansive retail theft scheme were driving to Walmart stores throughout the country, replacing new televisions with damaged or used ones and fraudulently returning them for a massive ill-gotten pay day. Thanks to great legal and investigative work by my Statewide Prosecutors and Sheriff Judd’s Deputies, the members of this odious retail theft ring were caught and will face justice for their crimes.” - Ashley Moody, Attorney General

The investigation relates to an organized group of suspects defrauding the retailer Walmart by conducting fraudulent refunds and selling stolen merchandise for profit. The investigation revealed the suspects operated in at least 13 different states through the United States in a seven month time span. Within the State of Florida, it was determined the suspects included in this investigation affected 18 judicial circuits and 39 different counties. The affected counties were identified as Alachua, Bay, Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Okaloosa, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, Volusia, Walton, and Washington.

The investigation shows the criminal organization has been operating since at least the year 2014. Working with Walmart investigators, records show losses to the retailer during the time of this investigation, between August 15, 2019 and ending March 24, 2020, includes approximately 600 fraudulent transactions that resulted in a loss of about $300,000. It was determined that of these losses, $174,542.45 was stolen from Walmart stores located in Florida. Four verified thefts occurred within the jurisdictional boundaries of Polk County, Florida on August 31, 2019, which totaled a loss of $3,552.00.

Based on evidence showing the suspects have been operating and selling televisions since at least 2014, it is estimated the suspects have stolen approximately $3.6 million from retailers.

"Criminals like these are the reason our agency has a full-time Organized Retail Crime unit, working hand-in-hand with loss prevention personnel, retailers, and other agencies, to take a closer look at what might appear to some to be a 'victimless' crime. This is not 'shoplifting' - this rises to the level of racketeering, and the truth is, everyone suffers -consumers and businesses alike." - Grady Judd, Sheriff

The thefts and fraud occurred as follows: Members of the criminal group would purchase large, expensive televisions from a Walmart store for cash, remove the new TVs and replace them with salvaged tvs, return them for cash, and keep and re-sell the new (stolen) televisions.

Since the initial findings of fraud, PCSO detectives have been working with Walmart loss prevention personnel, other law enforcement agencies, and the Attorney General's Office of Statewide Prosecution (Florida) to develop extensive evidence and documentation of the thefts from Walmart stores all across the Southeastern United States. The Attorney General's Office of Statewide Prosecution is prosecuting the case. polksheriff.org

Bronx, NY: Group stole 80 coats from Burlington Coat Factory stores
A group of people stole 80 coats from two Bronx coat stores on two separate occasions, in one case, stuffing luggage with dozens of coats before they fled the scene, police said. The first robbery happened on Oct. 28 at a Burlington Coast Factory on Third Avenue near E 153rd Street in the Bronx. Six people stole 24 coats from the racks of the store and fled the scene without paying for them, police said. The second robbery happened on Oct. 31 at a different Bronx Burlington Coat Factory, this time on Baychester Avenue near Bartow Avenue. There, nine people stole 56 coats from the store, placed them in pieces of luggage and fled the scene. pix11.com

Alpena, MI: Police identify suspects in Alpena gun store robbery; 49 Guns recovered
New developments tonight as police in Alpena have recovered dozens of guns, most of them stolen from a gun store last month. Three people are being questioned in the case, and it appears those stolen firearms may have been heading to Saginaw. After that Alpena gun store robbery on November 21st, a reward was offered for information leading to the recovery of the guns, and that it appears that offer helped break the case.

“We were able to recover of the 49 of the 50 guns that were stolen, as well as an additional 31 firearms, we are not sure even at this point where they came from,” says John Pias of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Police and federal authorities have those 80 guns in their possession. Three suspects, a 20-year-old man, a 16-year-old male, both from Alpena, and a 19-year-old from Brimley have been identified as suspects but have not been arrested as of yet. abc12.com

Houston, TX: Serial Cigarette thief wanted in 4 separate Grab & Runs

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Shootings & Deaths

Blackwood, NJ: Man shot and killed outside Family Dollar
At least one person was shot and killed outside a Family Dollar store in Blackwood, New Jersey. The shooting occurred shortly before 6 p.m. Thursday in the parking lot of the Family Dollar Store on Black Horse Pike near Davistown Road, the Camden County Prosecutor's Office said. Investigators didn't reveal further details, outside of Gloucester Township police saying that the shooting didn't appear to be a random act. nbcphiladelphia.com

Memphis, TN: Man shot, killed inside Dollar Tree
Memphis police are investigating after a person was shot and killed inside a Dollar Tree on Summer Avenue Thursday. It happened in the 5100 block of Summer Ave. near the interstate. According to police, one adult victim was located and pronounced dead at the scene just after 1 p.m. Memphis police told FOX13 the adult victim was shot inside the store and it appears the person who was shot was the intended victim. They said it was not a random act of violence. fox13memphis.com

Redding, CA: Altercation with Security Guard lead to deadly police shooting
outside restaurant
Police release information on woman shot and killed by Police during a disturbance at restaurant. Authorities said the person who was shot and killed by a police officer at a busy Redding shopping center Wednesday night was a 62-year-old woman from Yuba County. Her name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. An officer was injured in the incident. Officers responded to the shopping center for a report of a woman causing a disturbance at MOD Pizza around 6:30 p.m., Redding police Sgt. Chris Smyrnos said. "The call was that she was threatening a security guard and cursing in the area," Smyrnos said Wednesday night. "Our officers responded to the call and during the contact with the female, it led to one of the officers discharging their firearm. One of our officers was transported to the hospital with what appears to be non-life threatening injuries." redding.com

Lexington, SC: 72-year-old woman dies after shooting behind shopping center

Honolulu, HI: Man shot to death after fight at convenience store

Orange County, FL: Man critically injured in shooting outside South Orlando C-store

Robberies, Incidents & Thefts

Florence, SC: Police searching for suspects in attempted robbery at Walmart

Tallahassee, FL: Two charged in connection with string of armed robberies

Detroit, MI: Couple robbed, assaulted outside dollar store on Detroit's east side

Grand Blanc, MI: Suspect arrest in his 3rd Armed Robbery at Check ‘N Go

Houston, TX: Search for suspect after Amazon van stolen at gunpoint

Fire/Arson

Man Sentenced To 7 Years, 4 Months For Setting Fire Inside Store At Westfield Century City Mall
Nicholas Kyle Oates, 27, was immediately sentenced to seven years and four months in state prison following his plea to one count each of arson and assault with a firearm, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. Oates was seen entering the mall armed with a handgun before entering the children’s section of the Amazon store and setting books on fire. He also pulled a handgun on a store employee who confronted him and then lit additional items on fire before fleeing the scene, according to prosecutors. losangeles.cbslocal.com

	Britney Sawyer-Ryan named Director of Regional Sales for Protos Security
	James Kralik named Regional Loss Prevention Manager for Variety Wholesalers
	Yolanda Thompson named Loss Prevention Manager for Variety Wholesalers
	Debra Keough-Johnson named District Loss Prevention Manager for The TJX Companies

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Featured Job Spotlights

Corporate Manager, Asset Protection
Glendale, CA - posted November 5

The Corporate Manager, Asset Protection is responsible for the development of Asset Protection Guidelines & Procedures and Training & Awareness Programs for the Disney Store North America Division. This critical position works with cross functional Operational, Human Resource and Field Leadership partners...

Field Loss Prevention Manager
Framingham, MA - posted November 5

Staples is focused on our customer and our community. As a Field Loss Prevention Manager for Staples, you will manage and coordinate Loss Prevention and Safety Programs intended to protect Staples assets and ensure a safe work environment within Staples Retail locations...

Asset & Profit Protection Investigations Analyst
San Francisco, CA - posted September 24

You should have strong analytical skills, be a quick learner, and drive to innovate with both technology and processes. They will be personable, open to learning, collaborating with others, and apt to saying "yes" or "I’ll find a way", rather than "no" or "that’s impossible"...

Area Loss Prevention Manager
Pittsburgh, PA - posted September 10

Our Area Loss Prevention Managers ensure safe and secure stores through the objective identification of loss and risk opportunities. Our Area Loss Prevention Managers plan and prioritize to provide an optimal customer experience to their portfolio of stores. They thrive on supporting and building high performance teams that execute with excellence...

Customer Success Specialists
Multiple Locations - posted October 9

The role of the Customer Success Specialist is to engage, empower, and excite our community. As a Customer Success Specialist, your primary responsibility is to ensure both retailers and law enforcement, who make up our community, have great experiences and achieve real crime reduction outcomes from using our platform. Apply Here

Sales Representatives
NuTech National - posted October 13

NuTech National, an established and rapidly growing 40+ year electronic security company is expanding our National Sales Team. Seeking motivated, driven and successful sales reps to expand our national retail and governmental vertical markets. Top pay, benefits and signing bonus available. Please apply to melissa@nutechnational.com

Featured Jobs

JOB TITLE	COMPANY	CITY/STATE	DATE ADDED
Vice President
VP, Shortage Control	Burlington Stores	North Burlington, NJ	November 17
Vice President	Mobilelink	Sugar Land, TX	July 8
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LP Dir.	America's Car-Mart	Rogers, AR	November 16
Dir. AP	Casey's	Ankeny, IA	November 25
Dir. AP	Curtis Food Recruiters	Boston, MA	November 5
Dir. Safety & Security	Disney	Emeryville, CA	November 2
Dir. Governance, Risk & Compliance	DoorDash	San Francisco, CA	October 9
Dir. Security Operations	Gap Inc.	San Francisco, CA	October 1
Dir. Risk & Analysis	Genesco	Nashville, TN	November 17
Dir. Safety/Risk Mgmt.	Goodwill of SE Louisiana	New Orleans, LA	April 2
Dir. of Security	Gorgo Group	Orlando, FL	November 5
Deputy Dir. Global Security & Trade Compliance	IAP Worldwide Services	Cape Canaveral, FL	November 24
Dir. of LP	Ingles	Black Mountain, NC	September 17
Dir. of Security	Jushi Holdings Inc.	Manassas, VA	Nov. 9
Dir. AP	McLane Company	Temple, TX	November 5
Dir. of Loss Prevention	Parker's C-Stores	Savannah, GA	June 3
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Dir. Security Operations	Salesforce	Seattle, WA	September 9
Dir. LP Stores	Tractor Supply Co.	Brentwood, TN	November 6
Dir. Global Retail AP	Under Armour	Baltimore, MD	October 13
Corporate/Senior Manager
Mgr, Global Physical Security & Investigations	CDK Global	Hoffman Estates, IL	October 30
Manager of LP	Peach State Truck Centers	Norcross, GA	November 24

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Don't fool yourself with getting lost in the email world and wondering why the morning flew by and nothing really got done. With the mere volume of emails we all receive each day, even with spam filters turned high, the shuffling and responding can eat your day away. The real issue is how we use emails to pass responsibilities and work off to other people or to express our hidden opinions after the boss is gone. My favorite happens to be the one who says - Oh I never got your email - as if there's a parallel universe and I'm in the one that doesn't exist. Emails have changed our world. Don't let it change your performance.

Just a Thought,
Gus

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