Case Study

ALTO's Impact on Retail Crime Accountability in San Francisco

On July 9, 2024, a department store in San Francisco experienced a theft carried out by a prolific repeat offender known for targeting local retailers. Thanks to a prompt incident report, the individual was apprehended the same day of the incident

This case underscores the vital role ALTO plays in the legal process, ensuring accountability every step of the way. By leveraging expertise and an extensive network of legal professionals, ALTO facilitated a seamless progression through multiple court hearings, ultimately leading to a resolution.

After Apprehension: Case Milestones

Once the offender was taken into custody, ALTO’s legal team submitted evidence, coordinated with the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office, and maintained clear communication between store personnel, law enforcement, and prosecutors. Our local team supported both the DA’s and the store team throughout the entire process, from the initial hearing to the sentencing, addressing critical gaps that could have otherwise led to case dismissal.

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Unrest Could Be Coming to Your City - Are You Prepared?
In an unpredictable environment, being ready is not just a precaution, but a necessity.

Preparing for Potential Unrest: What Urban Retailers Should Know

By the D&D Daily staff

As political and social tensions rise following recent ICE raids in major U.S. cities, retailers—especially those operating in urban centers—are reassessing their preparedness strategies for potential unrest. With public demonstrations and spontaneous protests becoming more common, retail businesses are increasingly focused on minimizing risk and protecting employees, customers and assets.

Recent enforcement actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in cities like Los Angeles have sparked backlash, including protests that, while often peaceful, carry the potential to escalate. For retailers, this presents a challenging environment where operational disruptions, property damage or safety concerns can emerge quickly and unpredictably.

Retailers can take several proactive steps to mitigate risk during periods of heightened tension. First and foremost is communication. Store managers should stay informed through local news and law enforcement updates to anticipate potential protest activity in their area. Establishing a clear internal communication protocol ensures that staff can respond swiftly to changing conditions and know when to shelter in place, close early or modify operations.

Physical security is another key area of focus. Retailers in areas more prone to demonstrations may benefit from reviewing security camera coverage, ensuring alarms and locks are functioning properly and confirming that emergency exits are accessible. Some businesses are also coordinating with local law enforcement or private security firms to enhance on-site protection during high-alert periods.

Employee training is critical. Staff should be briefed on how to handle crowd activity near or around the store, how to de-escalate tense situations when possible and when to prioritize evacuation over confrontation. Retailers may also want to revisit insurance coverage to ensure policies are current and adequately cover civil unrest scenarios.

Finally, maintaining a thoughtful, community-aware approach can also play a role in diffusing tensions. Retailers known for equitable labor practices, inclusive hiring or community involvement may find themselves better positioned to navigate moments of unrest with support from local residents.

While no two situations are identical, preparedness can go a long way in minimizing disruption. As tensions continue to flare across the country, retail businesses—particularly those in densely populated urban areas—would be wise to develop or refine their response plans. In an unpredictable environment, being ready is not just a precaution, but a necessity.


Businesses Fed Up with Looting
LA business owners 'sick and tired' of 'stupid' anti-ICE rioters looting their stores
Local Los Angeles business owners are expressing anger at the anti-ICE rioters and looters in interviews with various outlets. "We are sick and tired of it," Paul Scrivano told "Fox & Friends First" this week. "We have no one in charge. I would go so far as to say we have children in charge of Los Angeles right now."

Over the weekend, protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers escalated into violent and destructive riots, leading President Donald Trump to deploy 2,000 National Guard troops and at least 500 Marines to help quell the unrest.

During the riots, looters were captured on video vandalizing and ransacking several Los Angeles stores. While major chains like Apple took the brunt of the robberies, local businesses were also caught in the crossfire.

"This is so ridiculous. This doesn’t look like they’re protesting for ICE or anything. They are doing [it] just for the looting of the stores. I saw they’re breaking into the Apple store. They’re breaking into the Adidas store. This is not them doing protest [sic]," Monty told NewsNation.

Scrivano largely placed the blame on Los Angeles leadership and told Fox News that the only way to clamp down on the violence is to arrest the criminals. foxnews.com


Los Angeles, CA: Stolen iPhones taunt thieves with tracking message, ‘please return to Apple Tower Theatre'
The incident occurred during widespread riots in Downtown Los Angeles. What initially began as peaceful protests in response to recent immigration raids quickly escalated into looting and property damage across the area. A video shared on X by user Damani Felder has drawn widespread attention for showing what appears to be a group of individuals who stole iPhones from an Apple Store in Los Angeles, only to discover that the devices were rendered useless and tracked remotely. In the video, the stolen phones display a clear message on their screens: “Please return to Apple Tower Theatre. This device has been disabled and is being tracked. Local authorities will be alerted.”  financialexpress.com


NYPD commissioner: No need for National Guard after 86 arrested in NYC ICE protest

Texas Gov. to deploy National Guard across the state in response to protests
 

Retail Theft & Violence Hitting 'Crisis Levels' in the UK
UK: Communities face a surge in theft and retail crime

In the year ending December 2024, thefts from the person were up by 22% year-on-year and shoplifting up by 20%.

Mobile phone theft is on the rise, and it’s more than just a stolen device. Every day, people lose not only expensive smartphones but also irreplaceable memories, personal data, and peace of mind. Increasingly, thieves are using e-scooters and bikes to snatch phones out of their victim’s hands in seconds, making quick getaways through busy streets and public spaces.

It’s estimated that over 200 snatch thefts occur on our streets every day. But it’s not just phones being targeted. Across the UK, shoplifting and violence against retail workers have reached crisis levels. In 2024 alone, there were more than 600 shop thefts every hour.

Behind these numbers are real people, shop workers facing daily abuse, threats, and even physical attacks. Many are targeted simply for doing their jobs: enforcing age restrictions, confronting shoplifters, or refusing service to aggressive customers. In some cases, these confrontations escalate into violence, often involving weapons.

The reasons are complex. Some offenders are driven by addiction or desperation, others by organised crime. But the impact is widespread: retailers lose billions, prices rise for everyone, and communities feel less safe. For workers, the emotional toll can be lasting fear, anxiety, and burnout are becoming all too common.  crimestoppers-uk.org


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Wood County is pilot for organized retail crime task force in Ohio