ORC & Cargo Theft Continue to Be Top Focus in California
'Golden State saw a whopping 34-percent increase in cargo theft incidents'

California Law Enforcement and DAs Take On Retail, Cargo Thieves
California is stepping up its game to head off perpetrators of organized retail theft and cargo theft, whose schemes are becoming increasingly sophisticated and brazen.

Attorney General Rob Bonta announced last week that his office had filed felony charges against three individuals involved in a suspected “identity theft mill,” wherein stolen identities were used to perpetrate retail crimes. According to Bonta’s office, the suspects applied for store credit cards using stolen information from victims and then used the credit cards to purchase mass amounts of merchandise.

“The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is deeply committed to tackling organized retail crime through strategic multiagency collaboration, intelligence sharing, and targeted enforcement,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Detective Division Chief Joe Mendoza. “By working closely with our local, state, and federal partners, we continue to strengthen our efforts, disrupt criminal networks, protect both businesses and our communities, while holding individuals accountable.”

Thieves of all kinds are growing more emboldened, according to GearTrack’s April Cargo Security Index, which showed that 54 percent of cargo theft in the U.S. took place in California, Florida and Texas during the month of March.

The Golden State saw a whopping 34-percent increase in cargo theft incidents month over month, while Texas and Florida saw increased rates of 17 percent compared to February. GearTrack works with Verisk’s CargoNet, a cargo theft recovery network, to track these trends each month.

“The surge in theft is attributed to rising economic pressures, tariff uncertainty, increased shipment volumes, and the growing sophistication of criminal networks,” Ilan Gluck, general manager of GearTrack, explained. sourcingjournal.com


Cargo Theft Takes $35 Billion Toll on Supply Chain
ATA Continues Push for Cargo Theft Crackdown on Capitol Hill
Today, American Trucking Associations Chief Economist Bob Costello participated in a roundtable hosted by a House Transportation & Infrastructure Subcommittee to discuss the impact that cargo theft has on trucking operations, other links in the supply chain, and consumers. This is the second time in less than two months that ATA has been called upon as a key witness at a congressional hearing focused on cargo theft.

“Directly or indirectly, virtually all trucking companies are victims of cargo theft. Either they are victims of crime, or they are spending so much money to defend against being targeted that they are still victims,” said Costello. “ATA looks forward to working with committee members to safeguard the entire supply chain, including trucking, to protect businesses and their employees as well as lower costs for consumers.”

Thieves targeting freight shipments are taking a toll of up to $35 billion on the supply chain and fueling price inflation for consumers. Strategic theft has risen 1,500% since the first quarter of 2021, and the average value per theft is over $200,000.

Due to the complex, multi-jurisdictional nature of these crimes, only the federal government has the resources and technical capabilities to take down organized theft groups. That’s why, earlier this month, ATA endorsed the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act. The bill seeks to establish a unified, federal response to the proliferation of cargo theft perpetrated by criminals who often operate across state and international borders.  trucking.org


Ohio's New ORC Law
Fight Organized Retail Crime and Empower Law Enforcement (FORCE) Act

New Ohio law aims to crack down on organized retail theft
Individuals who are caught stealing from Ohio stores as part of an organized crime ring will now face increased penalties, thanks to a new law that went into effect this month.

House Bill 336, named the Fight Organized Retail Crime and Empower Law Enforcement (FORCE) Act, created a felony offense of organized retail theft in Ohio. The crime involves people coordinating the theft of merchandise with the intent of reselling it or otherwise using it for financial gain. Watch a previous report on organized crime rings’ effects on central Ohio in the video player above.

“Organized retail crime represents an economic challenge for Ohio, amounting to billions of dollars in losses,” said Rep. Haraz Ghanbari (R-75th District), the bill’s sponsor, at an introductory hearing last year. “The repercussions of such crime extend beyond financial losses. Increased criminal activity disrupts businesses and threatens the safety of consumers and employees alike.”

The Ohio Council of Retail Merchants estimates that organized retail theft costs businesses in the state $2 billion to $3 billion annually. To offset the losses, some retailers may raise prices.

The statute, which went into effect on April 9, classifies organized retail theft of a value less than $750,000 as a third-degree felony, a value between $750,000 and $1.5 million as a second-degree felony, and a value more than $1.5 million as a first-degree felony. When determining the retail value, the cost of all property stolen from one or more establishments by a person or group within any 12-month period may be considered.

“These criminals rely on safety in numbers, but it’s a false sense of security,” said Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, whose office worked on the legislation. “We now can charge them as a group, making it easier to convict and imprison thieves who target retailers as part of a crime ring.”   nbc4i.com


New data shows crime is down across U.S., but public safety spending cuts are causing concern
Crime is down across the country compared to the same time last year, according to new data from hundreds of law enforcement agencies nationwide. But experts who track crime are now concerned that cuts to federal funding could undermine those gains.  cbsnews.com


Police hope a 'retail theft roundup' will deter thieves hitting Montgomery County stores

Fargo police chief pleased so far with 2025 crime rates
 

LP Professionals Are More Valued Than Ever
The Evolution of Retail LP — And Why It’s a Smart Career Choice Today

By the D&D Daily staff

Over the past several decades, the retail loss prevention (LP) industry has undergone a significant transformation. What was once viewed primarily as a reactive, in-store security function has grown into a sophisticated, technology-driven field focused on strategy, data, and cross-functional leadership. As retailers continue to battle organized retail crime, shrink, fraud, and internal theft, LP has become not only more essential but also more dynamic—making it an increasingly attractive option for those seeking a rewarding and stable career.

From Store Security to Strategic Risk Management

Historically, loss prevention professionals were often limited to physical surveillance, deterring shoplifters, and conducting internal investigations. The role was reactive, and success was measured mostly in apprehension rates. But over time, the industry has shifted toward a more proactive and analytical approach. Today’s LP leaders are deeply integrated into corporate operations, working closely with finance, IT, supply chain, and compliance teams to identify and mitigate a wide range of risks.

The scope of LP now encompasses everything from organized retail crime investigations and return fraud detection to cybersecurity threats and crisis response planning. Many departments are also involved in business continuity efforts, workplace safety, and policy enforcement.

The Rise of Technology and Data

Technology has played a major role in modernizing the industry. Retailers are now using tools like artificial intelligence, video analytics, electronic article surveillance (EAS), facial recognition, and geospatial mapping to track patterns, forecast threats, and respond in real time. Cloud-based case management systems and advanced reporting dashboards have replaced traditional paper logs, allowing LP professionals to analyze data trends across regions and make evidence-based decisions.

This digitization has opened the door for a new generation of LP professionals with backgrounds in cybersecurity, data science, and forensic accounting—broadening the talent pipeline and career possibilities.

A Career With Longevity and Impact

As the retail landscape evolves, so too does the need for skilled loss prevention professionals. Whether in brick-and-mortar stores, distribution centers, e-commerce hubs, or corporate offices, there are a wide range of roles for those with investigative, analytical, or operational expertise.

Entry-level positions like store detectives or asset protection associates can offer a pathway to district or regional manager roles, and eventually corporate leadership. Many retailers also invest in LP training programs and certifications to help employees move up the ranks.

With growing attention on retail crime and risk mitigation, LP professionals are more valued than ever. The industry offers strong job stability, upward mobility, and the opportunity to make a measurable impact on a company’s bottom line.


Another Retailer Warns of Tariff Price Hikes
Adidas: If tariffs stay, ‘of course there will be price increases’

CEO Bjørn Gulden stressed that they have not been implemented yet, though, and the retailer will follow the lead of others in the market.

Adidas is considering price increases should the Trump administration’s tariffs remain in place. CEO Bjørn Gulden said on a call with analysts Tuesday that this hasn’t happened yet, but said “of course there will be price increases” in the U.S. if duties stay.

“We will not be the first one to move on prices but we would follow what the market leaders are doing,” Gulden said. “So should the duties go away again, there will, of course, not be price increases.”

The activewear retailer had another strong quarter in Q1, with revenue up 13% in the quarter to 6.2 billion euros ($7 billion at press time). Excluding Yeezy sales from last year, results were even stronger; the retailer sold the last of that inventory off in 2024.   retaildive.com


Burlington snags 45 of Joann’s store leases out of bankruptcy

Poll: What Effect will the Trump Administration Have on Workplace Safety?