Organized retail costs billions - Area task force leader says problem ‘epidemic,’ and affects stores, taxpayers - Kroger's Dir of ORC in the news  Organized retail crime cost stores an estimated $30 billion nationwide last year, an expensive trend that has businesses and law enforcement looking for ways to combat what one area task force leader called “an epidemic.” "This is not shoplifting,” said Dennis Dansak, head of Kroger’s organized retail crime division. Dansak, who was hired in 2009, has a law enforcement background that includes a counter-terrorism stint with the FBI. At Kroger, he’s concerned with catching thieves determined to steal items such as laundry detergent, baby formula, energy drinks and razors. Kroger uses anti-theft labels with store codes that are hard to remove. "What makes it so profitable is it’s a low-risk, high-reward business,” said Bob Bowman, who coordinates an area task force of law enforcement agencies known as Investigating Organized Retail Crime, or IROC. “The chance of getting caught is really about 1-in-150. They can make phenomenal profit when there’s no overhead.” The cost of retail crime to businesses is significant, but it also affects taxpayers. Bowman attended an ORC session last June in Columbus during which Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine tried to put the issue into perspective. “He said the state of Ohio lost $30 million in 2012 of uncollected sales tax revenue directly associated with organized retail crime,” Bowman said. (Source olivesoftware.com)


Conroe, TX Police arrest a Pair for Organized Retail Theft for thousands in jewelry thefts at 2 Kohl’s stores  Conroe Police officers arrested two women and charged them with organized retail theft after they allegedly took almost $2,000 worth of jewelry from a Conroe-area Kohl’s store. Loss Prevention Agents recognized the women who fit a description from another Kohl’s store where they allegedly took just over $1,100. The officer watched both women allegedly take items from the jewelry area of the store and then attempt to leave. (Source yourhoustonnews.com)

Patterson, N.J. man busted hitting Paramus shopping malls for Michael Kors watches  A quick-moving thief swiped $3,410 worth of watches in a month-long spree targeting Paramus shopping malls, police said Tuesday. Ishmell Sumter, 46, of Paterson, committed the thefts in less than 60 seconds each time, netting 15 Michael Kors watches in five grabs, authorities said. Paramus Detective Michael Cebulski and Officer Sal Cosentino arrested Sumter Friday without incident as he left his home. Cebulski identified Sumter using security camera footage and witness accounts, police said. The fast-moving thief enlisted “random acquaintances” to drive him to the malls before he snatched the pricey watches, according to police. Sumter was ordered held at the Bergen County Jail on $5,000 bail ahead of a court appearance Wednesday. (Source privateofficer.com)

Two brothers to serve time for hitting Walmarts in multiple states stealing scientific calculators - $163,974.94 restitution ordered  Authorities said Jacob Nelson, 31, of Wichita, Kansas, stole scientific calculators from the stores and then shipped them to New York City. Nelson admitted to agreeing with others to transport over $5,000 in stolen scientific calculators. Nelson further admitted that on August 13, 2013, he and another person drove from Wisconsin into Iowa in possession of over 200 stolen scientific calculators valued at more than $26,000. Nelson also admitted that on August 13, 2013, he and another person stole 14 scientific calculators valued at $1,295 from the Wal-Mart in Maquoketa. Nelson was arrested driving away from the Walmart. Police found hundreds of stolen calculators and two loaded handguns in Nelson's car. Nelson also ordered to make $163,974.96 in restitution to Walmart as part of his sentence. Nelson's brother, Caleb, was also charged and pleaded guilty in connection with the case. (Source kcci.com)

Two arrested in connection with a $1700 theft at Sears in Monroe, LA  Monroe police received several calls and Crime Stopper tips after local media circulated information pertaining to the case. Police believe that the two were using the stolen merchandise, which has yet to be recovered, to obtain drugs. (Source thenewsstar.com)