Why 4th of July Holiday is a Prime Time for Retail Crime
Unattended, Unsecured: July 4th Holiday Closures Pose Security Risks for Retailers

By the D&D Daily staff

While the Fourth of July is a time for celebration, it also presents unique security challenges for retailers — especially those that close early or shut down operations entirely for the holiday.

Criminals often exploit these gaps in activity, targeting businesses when they’re least staffed and least monitored. After-hours burglary, vandalism and theft of exterior assets tend to rise over holiday weekends, and retailers with unattended property are especially vulnerable.

"Holiday closures create soft targets," said a regional retail security director. "If stores are closed early or left unmonitored, criminals know they may have a longer window of time to operate undetected."

Common targets include pallets of inventory left behind buildings, vehicles parked overnight, unattended delivery bays, rooftop HVAC units, and tools or equipment used in ongoing renovations. Parking lots and loading areas can also be hotspots for catalytic converter theft, illegal dumping or vandalism.

While much attention is paid to in-store theft and organized retail crime, external property crimes — particularly those involving break-ins or outdoor theft — often spike during periods of reduced activity. Retailers located in strip centers, stand-alone stores, or suburban commercial zones with limited overnight patrols are at elevated risk.

To reduce exposure, experts recommend several proactive steps:

• Ensure all exterior inventory, tools or equipment are secured or removed

• Double-check locks, alarms and camera systems ahead of the holiday

• Increase perimeter lighting and signage to deter after-hours activity

• Coordinate with property managers or local police to request extra patrols

• Avoid advertising early closures or holiday hours on unsecured public platforms

Even a single incident over a long weekend can result in thousands of dollars in damage or loss — not to mention the operational disruption. As July 4th approaches, security leaders emphasize preparation and communication to ensure that retailers can enjoy the holiday without becoming an easy target.


'Cargo At Rest is Cargo at Risk'
Tariff Uncertainty Could See Cargo Theft Rates Rise Over Fourth of July Weekend
While many U.S. residents are poised to celebrate Independence Day this week, cargo thieves will quietly celebrate unattended cargo.

Danny Ramon, director of intelligence at supply chain risk management provider Overhaul, said that holiday weekends typically see cargo theft rates spiking by 50 to 100 percent.

“We always see spikes in theft activity around longer weekends, and that’s because of the old rule that cargo at rest is cargo at risk—if it’s at rest for longer, it’s going to be at risk for longer, and therefore there’s a higher likelihood it will be stolen,” he explained.

While he noted that the actual rate of theft fluctuates based on conditions, he said this Fourth of July is “well positioned” for those perpetuating cargo theft.

That’s due to several factors, he noted—one being that, because the Fourth of July is on a Friday, many warehouses and facilities will be left unattended for three full days. But another reason is related to the economy and the way retailers are reacting to it.

“Tariff uncertainty is causing a lot of retailers to stock up their warehouses in advance of the holiday season,” he said. “[This] is putting warehouse space at a premium, which not only makes them a much more ripe target, because they’re going to be much fuller, with much more product than they normally would [have], but it also means that cargo…is moving much further in advance of the holiday season than it would have been normally. There is a lot more cargo on the roads right now than there normally would be in the U.S.”

Retailers aren’t the only ones stocking up; Salesforce data shows that nearly one-third of U.S. consumers say they have begun frontloading goods because of potential tariff impacts. Ramon said that could see cargo thieves receiving higher-than-usual returns for the cargo they steal as consumers begin shopping online for the holidays and back-to-school season. sourcingjournal.com


Cities on High Alert for 'Lone Wolf' July 4th Attacks
FBI, DHS warn of lone wolf attacks on July 4 in NYC and San Francisco
The FBI and Department of Homeland Security have said lone wolf attacks pose the biggest threats to July 4 celebrations this year in New York City and San Francisco.

Intelligence bulletins sent out ahead of the holiday warn of copycat attacks and homegrown extremists, according to ABC News.

“We are concerned about the potential threat of copycat attacks inspired by the 2025 New Year’s Day vehicle-ramming attack in New Orleans and continued messaging [from foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs)] calling for attacks against Western targets,” two such bulletins read.

Officials warn that attackers in New York City and San Francisco could be motivated by a broad-range of grievances, with particular concern over outrage tied to the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

“Of these actors, U.S.-based violent extremists supporting FTOs and [domestic violent extremists] not linked to FTOs represent two of the most persistent threats,” the bulletins say. “Lone offenders, in particular, remain a concern due to their ability to often avoid detection until operational and to inflict significant casualties.”

The agencies specifically cite worries of “malicious actors and violent extremists” entering July 4 event areas and First Amendment-protected demonstrations with “weapons, chemical irritants, bodily fluids or other hazardous materials.” Drones could also pose a threat, authorities say. nydailynews.com


Like a Speeding Ticket - But for Shoplifters
New Zealand: Harsher penalties for retail crime, instant fines for shoplifting

The Government has proposed harsher penalties and the introduction of on-the-spot fines of up to $1000 for low-level theft in an effort to deter shoplifters.

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced the measures at a media conference at a central Auckland supermarket on Tuesday. Goldsmith said public confidence in the justice system was undermined if people could steal with "apparent impunity".

"It’s disheartening, and our Government will not sit by while shoplifters rob businesses of their livelihoods."

Under the proposed changes, shoplifting goods worth up to $500 would carry infringement fees of up to $500, while stolen items valued over $500 could result in fines up to $1000. Additionally, maximum prison sentences would increase to one year for thefts valued around $2000 or less, and up to seven years if the stolen goods exceeded $2000 in value.

A new offence of aggravated theft will be created for cases where goods valued under $2000 are stolen in a manner deemed offensive, threatening, insulting, or disorderly. Goldsmith said the infringement regime offered an opportunity for a "quick ticket" rather than having to go through the courts. 1news.co.nz

   RELATED: NZ retailers applaud new retail theft penalties


Retailers Testing Out Unlock Tech
Target testing tech to unlock store shelves
Target Corp. is trying out technology that will allow employees to more quickly unlock store shelves, Bloomberg News reported.

Why it matters: Locking up items has helped Target reduce organized retail theft, but it's also become a major annoyance to customers who have to wait around for a worker who then has to fiddle with a key. This will allow them to just use a smartphone.

What we're watching: If Target Circle 360 members eventually could use the technology.

Walmart is testing similar technology and has discussed extending the digital locks to Walmart+ loyalty members, according to Bloomberg. axios.com


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Safety Must Remain Front & Center Even as LP Evolves
The Hidden Risk: Why Safety Protocols Matter as Much as Security in Retail

By the D&D Daily Staff

While retail loss prevention often focuses on shrink and theft deterrence, another critical component of the job is often overlooked: workplace safety. Incidents involving employee or customer injury can result in significant financial losses, legal liabilities, and reputational damage—making safety just as vital to a retailer’s bottom line as traditional security concerns.

Slips, trips and falls are among the most common hazards in retail environments. According to the National Safety Council, falls are the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths nationwide. In retail stores—especially during peak traffic periods or inclement weather—wet floors, misplaced inventory, or poorly maintained walkways can quickly become serious liabilities.

Additionally, backroom operations present risks of their own. Improper lifting, inadequate lighting, and blocked fire exits not only endanger employees but can also trigger costly OSHA violations. And with many retailers now operating high-volume e-commerce fulfillment out of physical stores, these risks are growing.

Retail security and loss prevention teams are increasingly being called upon to play a role in safety assurance. From conducting floor walks to identifying hazards to working with operations teams on emergency response plans, LP professionals are uniquely positioned to monitor risk in real time.

More companies are beginning to bridge the gap between safety and security. Some retailers now equip LP teams with training in basic first aid, emergency evacuation procedures, and crowd control. Others are using analytics platforms that integrate safety incident tracking alongside traditional shrink data, helping identify locations with elevated risk profiles.

This integration also supports business continuity. A single injury-related lawsuit or workers’ compensation claim can cost retailers thousands—if not more. By proactively identifying and addressing hazards, LP teams are helping reduce downtime, avoid costly claims, and improve customer and employee satisfaction.

As the role of retail loss prevention continues to evolve, safety must remain front and center. It’s not just about protecting merchandise—it’s about protecting people.


Price is Still #1 Issue Amid Tariff Debate
EXCLUSIVE: Here’s how consumers react to tariffs, unethical sourcing

When it comes to the financial impact of tariffs and unethically sourced products, U.S. consumers have a pragmatic viewpoint.

Results of a survey of 1,000 U.S. consumers exclusively released to Chain Store Age by InFlow Inventory indicate that respondents will support domestic and ethically sourced products to a point, but price still plays a major role in purchase decisions.

If grocery prices jump due to tariffs imposed by President Trump, 88% of respondents say they will change how they shop. This includes one in three respondents who will cut back, and another one-third who will switch to cheaper brands.

More than half of respondents (54%) are willing to pay up to 10% more for U.S.-made goods — but if prices get any higher, 83% would walk away. One in three respondents expects companies to absorb the financial impact of tariffs rather than increase prices for consumers.

Overall, 68% of respondents say buying U.S.-made goods is key to supporting the economy, but support peaks among baby boomers (78%), then drops steadily. Two-in-three 66% Gen X respondents, 60% of millennials, and just 54% of Gen Z respondents consider buying American a priority. chainstoreage.com


Lululemon vs. Costco
Lululemon sues Costco for selling alleged clothing ‘dupes’
Lululemon has accused Costco Wholesale Corp. of selling cheaper, unauthorized imitations of some of its popular clothing items.

Lululemon has filed a lawsuit suing Costco, alleging that the membership warehouse club giant is selling knockoffs, or product “dupes,” of its athleisure clothing. In a lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, Lululemon alleges that Costco has infringed on its patents by selling athleisure products that closely resemble its own.

Lululemon said that Costco has “unlawfully traded” on the athleisure brand’s “reputation, goodwill and sweat equity by selling unauthorized and unlicensed apparel employing knockoff, infringing versions” of its products. Specifically, Lululemon said Costco’s private label Kirkland line is selling knockoffs of its Scuba hoodies and sweatshirts, Define jackets and ABC pants for men. chainstoreage.com


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