Deep Dive Into Canada's Retail Theft Surge
'To mitigate the situation, the retail industry must adopt a multi-pronged approach'

Special Report: Dealing with a retail theft surge
Retailers across the nation are grappling with an escalating crisis of theft and loss, a problem that has intensified in recent years as both shoplifting and organized retail crime soar. As a result, many businesses are facing mounting financial losses, leading to increased prices, fewer store locations, and even store closures. The ripple effect of this crisis is hitting both small businesses and large chains alike, threatening their bottom lines and the stability of the retail industry as a whole.

The consequences of rising theft and loss extend beyond the immediate financial damage. Many retailers are being forced to invest heavily in security measures such as surveillance cameras, anti-theft devices, and private security personnel. Unfortunately, these measures can only go so far. The emotional toll on employees, who face heightened risk and stress as they deal with theft, is also significant, leading to a decrease in morale and potentially higher turnover rates. Customers, too, are affected, as many stores implement stricter policies like bag checks or reduced hours, creating a less convenient shopping experience.

To mitigate the situation, the retail industry must adopt a multi-pronged approach. Businesses are being urged to collaborate more closely with law enforcement, pushing for stronger penalties for offenders and better tracking of stolen goods. Additionally, retailers are exploring new technologies such as artificial intelligence-driven theft detection and more sophisticated inventory management systems to reduce losses. Industry experts also emphasize the need for improved employee training, fostering a culture of vigilance and awareness without escalating tensions.

Stephen O'Keefe, President of Bottom Line Matters, said retail theft has been on the rise the past few years for a number of reasons ranging from a seemingly honest mistake of customer's under-ringing at the self checkout, to the extreme violent group robberies perpetrated by organized criminal groups. "Almost every retailer has experienced an increase in their shrinkage rate, and collectively that number in Canada has reportedly surpassed the $10 billion threshold,” he said.

Rui Rodrigues, Executive Advisor, Loss Prevention & Risk Management, Retail Council of Canada, said losses have increased significantly for retailers over the last five years. With the volume of theft increasing the volume of incidents involving violence has also significantly increased.

“Lack of severity of consequences from our judicial system for retail crime is one (reason). Retail theft has long been seen as a victimless property crime and in general criminals apprehended committing retail crimes face little or no consequences. As a result, we see a revolving door of retail criminals who are repeat, prolific and violent re-offenders who are arrested and let out the same day and back out re-offending,” he said. retail-insider.com


More States Advance Tougher Retail Crime Legislation
NFIB Applauds South Carolina Lawmakers for Passing Retail Theft Bill

The measure gives law enforcement better tools to crack down on organized smash-and-grab rings

NFIB State Director Ben Homeyer today thanked the General Assembly for passing H. 3523, critical legislation cracking down organized retail crime and protecting small businesses from financial harm.

“Small business is not immune from the threat of organized retail theft,” Homeyer said. "This legislation gives law enforcement and prosecutors the tools they need to go after theft rings that exploit retailers and drive up costs for everyone.”

H. 3523 strengthens existing laws by making it illegal to conspire to steal retail property valued at more than $2,000 over 90 days with the intent to resell or profit from stolen goods.

It increases penalties for those who engage in retail theft, imposing tougher fines and imprisonment for repeat offenders and those who cause property damage or injury during these crimes. The measure also introduces asset forfeiture provisions to ensure criminals do not profit from stolen goods, reinforcing the state's commitment to protecting local businesses.

“This legislation helps small businesses by targeting large-scale retail theft rings,” Homeyer said. "We urge Governor McMaster to sign H. 3523 into law as soon as possible to give law enforcement the tools they need to fight these crimes.” nfib.com


Law Enforcement Holds ORC 'Retailer Listening Sessions'
Oregon: Law Enforcement Organize Retail Theft Meetings
The Bend Police Department, in collaboration with the Redmond Police Department and the Deschutes County District Attorney's Office, will host a series of Retailer Listening Sessions as part of the Organized Retail Theft (ORT) grant that Deschutes County secured in fall 2024.

The goal of this initiative is to stop organized retail crimes from occurring in our county by improving response to theft calls, increasing arrests, and enhancing prosecution of retail theft offenders. Achieving this goal will require a multi-tiered approach.

The Retailer Listening Sessions are an opportunity for the Deschutes County ORT team to hear directly from local retailers about the types of theft they have been experiencing, as well as to answer questions on Oregon retail theft law and share information about the Deschutes County District Attorney's Office's work to create a local chapter of the Organized Retail Crime Association of Oregon (ORCAOR). More information will be shared about a Central Oregon ORCAOR chapter meeting in the coming weeks.

Retail owners, managers, and loss prevention officers from Deschutes County are encouraged to attend one of the Retailer Listening Sessions in March. Registration for a Retailer Listening Session is encouraged but not required. Register here.  mycentraloregon.com


Repeat Offenders Driving ORC Across the Globe
Australia: Shop thefts rise as police say offenders linked to organised crime
Retail theft and assaults have skyrocketed across Victoria, with organised crime syndicates responsible for the spike, police say. Victoria Police and Crime Stoppers are teaming up to crackdown on repeat offenders they say are responsible for 70 per cent of offences.

Some sticky-fingered offenders have been caught more than 100 times for stealing from shops. "Retail crime costs us all, we're focusing on repeat offenders," Crime Stoppers Victoria chief executive Stella Smith said. Thefts have jumped more than 32 per cent, with assaults linked to this offending rising by 12 per cent.

"Workers have been threatened with machetes, told the person has a gun. That's scary for workers," Smith said. Police also say there's a misconception that the economic crisis is fuelling the rise. Instead, police believe many criminals are stealing to fund organised crime.

These intricate rackets mean close to 70 per cent of retail crimes are committed by the same offenders.

Retail crime is costing the industry $9 billion every year. Crime Stoppers has a page dedicated to repeat offenders online, and reports can be made anonymously. 9news.com.au


Bipartisan Push to Fight ORC Makes More Headlines
Congress Urged to Send Message to Organized Retail Crime
The National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) sent a letter on behalf of a bipartisan coalition of 38 state and territory AGs urging Congress to pass legislation addressing the national rise in organized retail crime.

In the letter, the AGs explain that organized retail theft is responsible for more than $121 billion in financial losses and has subjected retail employees to violence, and that cargo theft remains a primary component of organized retail crime nationwide, which disrupts supply chains and increases prices of consumer goods.

The AGs urge Congress to re-introduce legislation that would expand and help coordinate state and federal efforts against organized retail theft, and to include increased federal penalties for supply chain thefts. jdsupra.com


South Dakota AG Jackley urges Congress to act against organized retail crime

ICYMI: Flock Safety and Zencity release retail crime survey
 

Will AI Break Free in the Retail World in 2025?
Why AI will be retail's unsung hero in 2025
Experiential retail "trends" like smart fitting rooms and gamification captured a lot of attention at the 2025 edition of NRF: Retail's Big Show. I'm here to break the news that while this type of technology is fun to talk about, it's not a reality for most brands. At least not yet.

However, a lot of AI innovation has been taking place in the industry that's not as noticeable, yet it's making consumers' shopping experiences more seamless and personalized than ever before.

The many hats AI wears in retail

The majority of consumer surveys conducted over the past several years show personalization remains a top priority while shopping. In fact, McKinsey data shows that 76% of consumers get frustrated when it's missing.

AI-powered algorithms analyze customer behavior, preferences, and purchase history to offer more personalized shopping experiences. At the same time, customers can receive pricing, promotions, and products that are tailored to them. For retailers, this hyper-personalization can have a direct impact on sales, with Adobe research with companies finding most consumers are prepared to spend more that customize their experiences.

AI as a stabilizer in a sea of volatility

Amidst this unknown, retailers will need to focus on what they can control: tapping into innovation that enables them to not just meet, but exceed shoppers' latest demands for more seamless, personalized experiences. Retailers using AI to its full potential are more well-informed and can make better decisions this year.

A tailored future of shopping fit for each consumer

If we can achieve the computing power it requires, then AI holds even more transformative potential in the industry. From real-time dynamic pricing and highly targeted marketing campaigns to AI-powered augmented reality experiences like virtual try-ons, I see AI significantly impacting customers' shopping journeys for the better.

All of this to say, consumers want blended experiences. It will be exciting to watch how AI continues to revolutionize the industry in 2025 and bring consumers the greater convenience and personalization they've hoped for. chainstoreage.com


3.3M Impacted by Data Breach
Employment screening provider data breach affects 3.3M people

The attack is one of several in recent years targeting the employment services industry.

A data breach at DISA Global Solutions, Inc., a third-party employment screening services provider, affected more than 3.3 million people, the company said.

The company, which provides drug and alcohol testing and background checks, said it discovered on April 22, 2024, that it was the victim of cyber attack that gave "an unauthorized third party" access to individuals' personal information from Feb. 9, 2024, to April 22, 2024, the company said in a notice on its website.

DISA said that while its forensics investigation "could not definitively conclude the specific information procured,” the personal information accessed could have included people's names, Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, other government ID numbers, financial account information and other data elements. cybersecuritydive.com

 
Critical infrastructure at state, local levels at heightened risk of cyberattacks

State and local governments need additional resources, shared intelligence and coordination, an MS-ISAC report showed.

State and local communities are facing a rise in cyber threats from nation-state-linked and criminal threat groups, which in many cases are looking to undermine confidence in public institutions, according to a report by the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center.

Much of the nation's critical infrastructure is owned and operated at the state or local level, which underscores the need to develop more resilient systems, share threat intelligence and prepare for coordinated incident response. cybersecuritydive.com
 

The art of balancing data security with business goals

Vallejo, CA: 3 men arrested after high-end beauty products theft bust
Three men, including a father and son duo, were arrested for shoplifting on Tuesday, according to the Vallejo Police Department. Vallejo police officers were dispatched to Admiral Callaghan Lane for the report of multiple thefts at different retail stores on Tuesday. Two retail store employees informed police that the suspects stole "high-end beauty products and fragrances" and fled in a white BMW. Officers located the BMW near Tuolumne Street and Sereno Drive and pulled the car over. Police said while the three occupants were detained, officers found bags filled with stolen merchandise in the back seat. Police said the second suspect was found to be the driver's father, who had prior theft convictions. The third suspect had an outstanding felony theft arrest warrant out of Placer County. According to VPD, he is suspected of stealing more than $100,000 worth of merchandise from multiple retail stores.  kron4.com


Brunswick, ME: 3 accused of stealing $32K worth of items from Maine stores
Police say three people from New York stole over-the-counter medications and beauty products from a Hannaford in Brunswick. The trio is accused of taking part in a massive retail theft operation. Employees at the Hannaford on Elm Street called police after they saw 29-year-old Marlene Santaella, 24-year-old Angie Cubillos and 38-year-old Alan Rodriguez stealing large amounts of over-the-counter medications and beauty products on Wednesday, according to the Brunswick Police Department. Police say they found the suspects in a vehicle not far from the store. According to police, officers found approximately $32,000 worth of over-the-counter medications and merchandise inside the vehicle. They are suspected of participating in an organized retail theft ring and had victimized other stores in Maine, according to police.  msn.com


Highland Heights, OH: Kohl's shoplifter makes off with nearly $4,000 worth of goods in a matter of days
A man stole 22 items, valued at $2,710, from Kohl's Feb. 18 and left in a vehicle being driven by a woman. Among the items stolen were Nike shoes and clothing. Loss prevention also learned that the same man had stolen $1,156 worth of merchandise from the store a few days earlier. In both incidents, the same woman waited in the vehicle and was not involved in thefts.  cleveland.com


Irvine, CA: 2 suspects wanted for stealing over $7,000 worth of beauty products in Orange County

White Settlement, TX: Suspect In Theft Ring Targeting Western Wear Stores Hid Up To 4 Pairs Of Boots Inside His Clothes

Northbrook, IL: Employee Allegedly Put $10,000 Speakers in the Trash, Stole Later at Business in Northbrook

Higginsville, MO: Missouri man charged after hundreds of dollars in Pokémon cards stolen