Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025 Introduced in Congress
NRF Supports Federal Bill to Thwart Retail Crime
Today, Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley and Rep. David Joyce introduced the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA) to create a coordinated federal response to the mounting wave of sophisticated attacks against the nation’s supply chain and retailers. The new legislation underscores that while theft tactics vary across industries, only an economy-wide response can effectively curtail this growing threat.  

The following statement may be attributed to National Retail Federation Executive Vice President of Government Relations David French following the introduction of the legislation.

“ORC is a multibillion-dollar crisis impacting retailers, their associates and the customers they serve. ORC is occurring across the retail enterprise – supply chains, bricks-and-mortar stores, warehouses and online – with stolen product sold for a profit, oftentimes to fund other crimes.

“The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025 will align efforts within a new Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center to ensure that resources and information-sharing will be available across local, state, federal and private-sector partners to bring cases and prosecutions against organized theft groups. This legislation is an important step to help prevent ORC from infiltrating local communities across the country.

“NRF applauds Chairman Grassley, Sen. Cortez Masto, Rep. Joyce and all of their bipartisan original co-sponsors for their continued leadership to address one of retail’s biggest challenges. We urge Congress to move quickly to approve this integral measure.”

Specifically, CORCA would address the rising threat to the nation’s supply chain by enhancing federal law enforcement tools and establishing a centralized coordination center. The legislation would create an Organized Retail and Supply Chain Coordination Center to bring together federal law enforcement agencies with state and local partners as well as railroad police to counter and dismantle domestic and transnational organized theft operations.  nrf.com ajot.com

   RELATED: ATA Champions Bill Cracking Down on Cargo Theft


New Video Security Paradigm
Retail Theft Is Soaring—And AI Video Security Can Help
Clearly, retail theft is unsustainable. It cuts profits, demoralizes staff and drives customers away. Locking up products or making shoppers wait only worsens the problem. Retailers must find a way to protect inventory and employees without losing customers.

Notably, a new tool is emerging: advanced video security. Yes, stores have used video surveillance for decades, but outdated CCTV can’t compare to today’s tech. Modern video security offers cloud-based flexibility and proactive deterrence—giving retailers a real chance to fight back.

The New Video Security Paradigm

The average chain pharmacy store may seem simple to the consumer, but retailers know just how complex these spaces are. On any given day, hundreds, if not thousands, of customers may circulate in and out. Merchandise is continually lifted and set aside, and employees scramble about attempting to meet the demands of impatient customers.

Managers and security teams can certainly track some of this activity, but their view of events will always be partial, even with the aid of conventional CCTV. Raw video of fast-moving customer scenes can only reveal so much—and not even the major chains have the resources to continually sift through and analyze all that material.

This new breed of video security offers retailers overriding, comprehensive intelligence. Underpinned by machine learning algorithms trained on massive retail-specific datasets, they can take in raw video and instantly pinpoint troubling behavior. Like all-seeing security guards, they know the telltale signs of a potential crime in the making.

The deterrence benefits here are significant. Through real-time monitoring and alerts, this technology can guide the work of on-site security personnel. Stopping a shoplifter in the act of stealing can be dangerous, and many store policies advise against it, particularly when the value of the item is below the felony threshold. Of course, it is precisely these small, unchecked thefts that aggregate into deadly profit shrinkage. If a security guard knows via AI to track a specific person of interest, though, their mere presence can stop the theft before it happens. forbes.com


How Tech is Driving Down Crime in San Francisco
San Francisco mayor credits new unit, technology with over 500 arrests, sharp drop in crime rate

Drones, license plate cameras “played critical role” in reducing crime

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie credited the San Francisco Police Department’s new Real Time Investigation Center with over 500 arrests and a significant drop in crime at a press conference at the Hall of Justice on Wednesday.

The Real Time Investigation Center (RTIC), launched last year, leveraged new technology such as drones and automated cameras to assist in the arrests.

“Using technology like Drones as First Responders (DFR) and Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) cameras together, the SFPD can rapidly respond to crimes in progress, identify suspects and make swift arrests with officers in the community directly communicating with teams inside the RTIC,” according to a statement released by the Mayor’s Office, noting the new unit’s assistance in the arrests, including 207 using the ALPR network, 43 using drones, as well as 166 stolen vehicle arrests and 80 robbery arrests.

“The Real-Time Investigation Center is a turning point for public safety in San Francisco,” said Mayor Lurie. “By giving our officers real-time information from across the city, we’re helping them respond faster, make smarter decisions, and stay safe. As we work to fully staff our police department, RTIC is a force multiplier and it’s already delivering results: over 500 arrests, reduced crime, and better outcomes for the communities we serve.”

The RTIC was created after voters passed Proposition E last March. The measure was placed on the ballot by then-Mayor London Breed. Since its launch, overall crime has dropped in the city by 28 percent, and is 30 percent down this year, according to the Mayor’s Office statement. Complete comparative data isn’t yet available, but a Council on Criminal Justice report noted that from 2023 to 2024, robberies around the country dropped by 10%, carjackings by 32%, and vehicle thefts by 24%. ​The FBI’s Quarterly Uniform Crime Report indicated a decrease of 10.3% in violent crimes in the first half of 2024. thevoicesf.org


Retail Workers Quitting Over Rise in Violence
‘Panic attacks’ as retail workers forced to deal with surge in shoplifting

Address root causes leading to theft, sociology prof tells government

Jessica Clark she quit because of anxiety over potential violent confrontations and a perceived lack of care from the employer.

“I just didn’t feel like going to work anymore,” she said. Although she “absolutely adored the job,” working conditions seemed increasingly unsafe amid increasing incidents of theft. “It was leading to a lot of panic attacks at work where I just wouldn’t feel safe.”

In an email statement, NB Liquor acknowledged the effects of the rise of theft in their organization.

Tanya Greer, a spokesperson for the Crown corporation, said NB Liquor had implemented measures such as de-escalation training, a code of practice for workplace violence, and “security systems.” Safety of workers is a “priority,” the spokesperson said.

However, Clark’s story highlights a larger issue: some retail workers fear for their safety as they are required to deal with increasingly prolific shoplifters, while employers fail to provide a safe work environment. nbmediacoop.org

 
Milwaukee police: Overall crime down, homicides up to start 2025
 
Continued decline of crime data prompts MJPS to double-check accuracy
 

Top Retail CISOs

Cyber Magazine takes a look at some of the leading CISOs and security leaders keeping their organisations safe in an increasingly complex environment

Cyber Magazine has selected 10 individuals who stand out in this climate, standing at the helm of complex cybersecurity ecosystems in some of the world's most well-known companies. Here are the retail-related CISOs featured on the list.

Jerry Geisler

EVP and Global Chief Information Security Officer - Walmart

Under his guidance, Walmart's Information Security programme has become an industry benchmark, covering IT, ICS, cloud and product security. His responsibilities include safeguarding data for 230 million customers and 2.3 million associates, overseeing strategy, engineering, operations, testing, risk and compliance globally.

Stephen Schmidt

Chief Security Office - Amazon

In his current role as Amazon’s Chief Security Officer, Stephen leads the company’s global security organisation, including cyber, physical and corporate security operations. His core responsibilities include cybersecurity and strategy operations for Amazon and AWS, threat detection and response across the business, security policy and governance, and engagement with key regulatory bodies and government panels.

George Stathakopoulos

VP of Corporate Information Security - Apple

George Stathakopoulos, Apple's VP of Corporate Information Security since 2016, safeguards corporate assets and customer data. His appointment coincided with Apple's high-profile battle with the FBI over iOS integrity. Previously, he held VP of Information Security roles at Amazon and Microsoft, bringing expertise in scalability and vulnerability assessment.

Rich Agostino

Chief Information Security Officer & Infrastructure - Target

Rich Agostino, Target's SVP and CISO, leads the company's global cybersecurity efforts, safeguarding Target and its customers with a proactive, threat-driven strategy. His approach integrates in-house experts, a 24/7 Cyber Fusion Centre and custom solutions to stay ahead of evolving threats. Beyond Target, Rich shapes industry standards as Chair of the Retail & Hospitality ISAC and advisor to the PCI Security Standards Council and Google. A CSO Hall of Fame inductee, his leadership fosters robust security within Target, and across the retail and tech sectors.

Chris Betz

Chief Information Security Officer - AWS

As Chief Information Security Officer at AWS, Chris oversees the development and implementation of strategic security policies, with the objective of managing risk and ensuring the company’s security posture is aligned with business goals. He brings a unique perspective to this work, having previously been an AWS customer when in the role of CISO at Capital One. This helps to inform his approach to cloud security, the importance of Zero Trust security and the role of trust and collaboration in delivering effective cybersecurity. cybermagazine.com


Preventing AI Data Leaks
How to find out if your AI vendor is a security risk
One of the most pressing concerns with AI adoption is data leakage. Consider this: An employee logs into their favorite AI chatbot, pastes sensitive corporate data, and asks for a summary. Just like that, confidential information is ingested into a third-party model beyond your control.

Even with data loss prevention (DLP) policies, AI data leaks are challenging to prevent. If the AI system is cloud-based and employees can access it externally, companies may never know when their data is compromised.

Also, most AI vendors offer more than web interfaces – they also provide programmatic access via APIs. However, APIs also introduce a significant security blind spot. If an AI vendor allows remote API access, how do you verify who is using it? If an attacker gains access to an API token, they could extract or manipulate data without detection. helpnetsecurity.com


Sensata Technologies’ operations disrupted by ransomware attack
The company, which makes sensors for the automotive and aerospace sectors, does not currently expect the attack to have a material impact.

Plankey nomination at CISA placed on hold after Wyden pushes for telecom report

Los Angeles, CA: Montclair high-end sneaker store hit by group of robbers 3 times in 1 month
A crew of nine thieves stormed a high-end sneaker boutique inside Montclair Place Mall this week, marking the third time the store has been targeted in a month. Surveillance video captured the Wednesday smash-and-grab at Galleria Montclair, a shop known for carrying popular brands such as Essentials and Sp5der. Owner Ryan Higuera said the group moved in with a clear plan. "They sent two people in, and then they see who is working," Higuera said. "Then the three, then the four, then the five, they give them the go, all nine of them run in. They had at least two or three getaway drivers, different vehicles each time... booked it, 10 westbound." Another video, captured by a witness, shows the suspects tripping over merchandise in their rush to escape, falling over some of the same items they came to steal. "They just destroyed the whole store. This last time, we are looking at least $10,000 to $20,000 worth of damages," Higuera said. He believes the crew is based out of Los Angeles and may be responsible for two previous robberies at the same location.  abc7.com


Sherman Oaks, CA: Four Robbers smash jewelry store displays at Westfield Fashion Square Mall in Sherman Oaks
A robbery was reported at a jewelry store inside the Westfield Fashion Square Mall in Sherman Oaks on Thursday, according to police. Los Angeles police said four men in dark hoodies, armed with an unknown object, smashed glass counters at the store and snatched an unknown amount of jewelry shortly after noon. They reportedly fled the scene in a gray/silver Audi A6 with a yellow covering over the license plates, according to Officer Drake Madison of the LAPD Media Relations Division. Madison said a man was pepper-sprayed during the incident. He was taken away from the scene in an ambulance.  abc7.com


Colonial Heights, VA: Man accused of stealing over $30K worth of merchandise from Southpark Mall
A Richmond man is facing several charges after allegedly stole thousands of dollars worth of merchandise from Southpark Mall. On April 8, before 9 a.m., Colonial Heights Police responded to the mall for the report of an individual who had broken into multiple jewelry kiosks inside the mall. “A witness attempted to stop the individual; however, the suspect assaulted them and left the area,” police said. After a brief pursuit, 30-year-old James Fountain Jr., was taken into custody. Officers also recovered drugs and stolen merchandise valued at over $30,000.  12onyourside.com


Police are investigating after three people broke into and stole from a local gun store
Shortly before 4 a.m. on Thursday, Kettering Police said three people broke into AC Firearms on Woodman Drive. Surveillance video from inside the store shows one of the three people breaking open the store’s front door. All three funnel in and begin taking firearms off the walls and items from store cabinets. Owner of AC Firearms, Adam Bennett says 14 guns were taken, but no bullets or magazines.  yahoo.com


Kenosha County, WI: Pleasant Prairie shopping centers Retail Theft Blitz; 6 arrests made