D&D Daily Mobile Edition

The D&D Daily Mobile Edition
LP, AP & Cybersecurity's #1 News Source

6/18/25

D-Ddaily.net

It's 'Agilence Week' on the D&D Daily!

Follow along in the 'Vendor Spotlight' column below as Agilence showcases LP/AP solutions for the retail industry

The U.S. Crime Surge
The Retail Impact

New Solution Helps Businesses Fight Crime & Boost Safety
Interface Systems Launches Virtual Perimeter Guard: AI-Powered Outdoor Monitoring with Live Remote Intervention

Solution Helps Businesses Deter Crime, Reduce Losses, and Improve Staff Safety.

St. Louis, MO — June 17, 2025 — Interface Systems, a leading managed service provider delivering business security, actionable insights, and purpose-built networks for multi-location businesses, today announced it will unveil its Virtual Perimeter Guard solution at NRF PROTECT 2025.

Designed to help retailers, restaurants, and other commercial businesses reduce crime and improve outdoor security, Virtual Perimeter Guard combines AI-enabled cameras with live intervention from Interface’s U.S.-based security experts. The solution addresses growing concerns around loitering, break-ins, and after-hours intrusions that contribute to over $100 billion in annual losses across U.S. businesses.

Virtual Perimeter Guard provides businesses with a proactive and scalable approach to outdoor security. The solution utilizes AI-enabled cameras to continuously monitor designated perimeter zones for suspicious activity, including loitering and unauthorized access attempts. When a potential threat is detected, the system initiates a multi-stage deterrence protocol, beginning with automated voice warnings and strobe light activation. If the behavior persists, the incident is escalated to Interface’s 5 Diamond TMA-certified interactive Security Operations Center (iSOC), where trained security professionals conduct a live review of the situation.

Through remote voice-down capabilities, Interface’s team can directly engage with intruders in real time and coordinate with law enforcement when necessary. All incidents are recorded and securely archived, providing customers with video-verified evidence to support investigations and insurance claims. The system’s modular design allows for flexible coverage across a wide range of exterior environments, including parking lots, back alleys, and loading docks, making it an effective deterrent and response solution for businesses with complex or high-risk outdoor areas.

Click here to read more

Anti-Theft Tech in Action After Looting
Apple disables iPhones stolen in Los Angeles looting

The company's anti-theft tech in action.

Stealing iPhones from a physical Apple Store is a crime that literally doesn't pay, thanks to Apple's anti-theft technology.

Looters who reportedly lifted the smartphones from the Apple Tower Theatre store in downtown Los Angeles were greeted with a blaring alarm and a message warning them to return the devices to their rightful owners, according to independent reporter Brendan Gutenschwager, who posted a video of the devices on June 10.

"Please return to Apple Tower Theatre. This device has been disabled and is being tracked. Local authorities will be alerted," the message on the iPhone display reads in Gutenschwager's video. In the clip, the devices are lying on the sidewalk before they're picked up by a police officer.

The iPhones were reportedly lifted from the Apple Tower Theatre store on June 10, a few days into citywide protests against federal immigration enforcement raids. In some places, looting and violence have erupted during protests, with people targeting stores including Apple, as well as Adidas and Shoe Palace, and Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass imposing a partial curfew on the city. During the protests last week, the Los Angeles Police Department made multiple arrests for looting.

The demo iPhones in Apple Store locations worldwide are equipped with special security software which locks the phone when carried out of the store, tracks its location, and notifies the authorities. mashable.com

Tech & Data vs. Retail Theft
Rare look at how Cook County Sheriff's Organized Retail Crime Team recovers millions in stolen goods
Technology and data are helping one law enforcement team tackle retail theft in Cook County, according to Sheriff Tom Dart. He says it has led to the recovery of more than $5 million in stolen goods during the past two years.

Since February, the I-Team regularly embedded with Cook County Sheriff's Organized Retail Crime Team as they tried to disrupt sophisticated theft operations. In addition to traditional tools and conventional police work, we learned their unofficial motto: Be personable and proactive with retailers.

Formed in 2023 with a grant from the Illinois Attorney General's Office after an acute rise in smash and grabs and retail thefts through the pandemic, Ware leads the task force. Ware holds roll call in front of certain River North stores on shipment days.

During the past 2 years, investigators say they have made more than 500 felony arrests and recovered more than $5 million in stolen merchandise. Sheriff's data shows a 31% decrease in retail theft incidents for the first quarter of 2025 compared to 2024 in River North and at Macy's on State Street.

There's been a 28% drop in criminal incidents involving retailers in 2024 vs. 2023, according to the team. abc7chicago.com

Banning Face Masks for Law Enforcement?
California Dems propose bill to ban face masks for law enforcement officers
As Republicans have pushed for mask bans to crack down on shadowy protesters and criminals, a pair of Democratic lawmakers in California want to prohibit law enforcement officers from wearing face coverings following the federal crackdown on Los Angeles anti-ICE protests.

State Sens. Scott Wiener and Jesse Arreguin, who represent San Francisco and Oakland, respectively, announced on social media that they would be introducing the “No Secret Police Act” to ban most law enforcement members from covering their faces when interacting with the public.

The bill would also require officers to display identifying information on their uniforms, like name tags on their helmets.

“We’re seeing the rise of secret police — masked, no identifying info, even wearing army fatigues — grabbing & disappearing people. It’s antithetical to democracy & harms communities. The No Secret Police Act can help end the fear & chaos this behavior creates in communities,” Wiener wrote on X. nypost.com

Maine grocery store says they are seeing a rise in theft

Brewer, Maine grocery store cracking down on shoplifting

Is Macy's Fueling Retail Layoff Surge?
Macy’s Store Closures Partially Responsible for 274% Increase in Retail Layoffs, According to a New Report
Macy’s store closures were part of the reason for the recent round of retail layoffs, according to a new Challenger, Gray & Christmas analysis published by Fox Business.

The report paints a grim picture for U.S. workers: Employers announced roughly 696,000 job cuts between January and May 2025—an 80% jump from the same stretch last year. Retail has borne a disproportionate share of that pain. Nearly 76,000 retail positions were eliminated in the five-month window, a staggering 274% increase versus 2024 and the second-highest total behind federal government cuts. Analysts point to a combustible mix of weaker consumer spending, tariff-driven cost pressures, and corporate belt-tightening as prime drivers of the bloodletting.

Although craft chain Joann and several pharmacy giants have grabbed headlines, Macy’s looms large in the 2025 retail retrenchment story. In January, the department-store icon confirmed plans to shutter 66 under-performing locations across 22 states—the first tranche of a strategy that will ultimately cull 150 stores by 2026. The move folds into the company’s multiyear “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan and is expected to erase thousands of jobs in sales, visual merchandising, logistics, and middle management.

While closures are rolling out in phases, two high-profile locations illustrate the human and local economic stakes. retailwire.com

Toy Maker Brings Tariff Lawsuit All the Way to the Supreme Court
Toy company challenges Trump’s tariffs before the Supreme Court in long shot bid for quick decision
An Illinois toy company challenged President Donald Trump’s tariffs in front of the Supreme Court on Tuesday in a long shot bid to press the justices to quickly decide whether they are legal.

Learning Resources Inc. filed an appeal asking the Supreme Court to take up the case soon rather than let it continue to play out in lower courts. The company argues the Republican president illegally imposed tariffs under an emergency powers law rather than getting approval from Congress.

While the company won an early victory in a lower court, the order is on hold as an appeals court considers a similar ruling putting a broader block on Trump’s tariffs. The appeals court has allowed Trump to continue collecting tariffs under the emergency powers law ahead of arguments set for late July.

The company argued in court documents the case can’t wait that long, “in light of the tariffs’ massive impact on virtually every business and consumer across the Nation, and the unremitting whiplash caused by the unfettered tariffing power the President claims.” apnews.com

Worse-Than-Expected Retail Sales in May
Retail sales fell 0.9% in May, worse than expected, as consumers pulled back

The pullback in retail sales came despite surveys showing that consumer sentiment actually increased in May.

Consumer spending pulled back sharply in May, weighed down by declining gas sales and looming unease over where the economy is headed, the Commerce Department reported Tuesday.

Retail sales declined 0.9%, even more than the 0.6% drop expected from the Dow Jones consensus, according to numbers adjusted for seasonality but not inflation. The decline followed a 0.1% loss in April and came at a time of unease over tariffs and geopolitical tensions. Sales rose 3.3% from a year ago.

Excluding autos, sales fell 0.3%, also worse than the estimate for a gain of 0.1%.

However, excluding a series of items such as auto dealers, building materials suppliers, gas stations and others, sales increased 0.4%. That reading, known as the control group, is what the department uses when calculating gross domestic product. cnbc.com

At Home closing 26 stores — here are the locations

Wegmans continues aggressive expansion amid customer demand

Kirkland’s tightens ties to Bed Bath & Beyond, rebrands as ‘Brand House Collective’

All the News - One Place - One Source - One Time

Thanks to our sponsors/partners - Take the time to thank them as well please. If it wasn't for them The Daily wouldn't be here every day for you.

Agilence Wins Eighth Consecutive Stevie® Award for Customer Service Department of the Year

Agilence wins eighth consecutive Stevie Award for exceptional customer service.

Agilence, the leading loss prevention and operations analytics provider for retailers, restaurants, grocers, pharmacies, convenience stores, and hospitality providers, has been honored with a Silver Stevie® Award in the Customer Service Department of the Year (Up to 100 Employees) category. This marks Agilence's eighth consecutive Stevie Award, a testament to the company's unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional customer service and support.

Notable accomplishments in the nomination included a Net Promoter Score of 65 (63% higher than the SaaS average of 40), a 98.7% logo retention rate, and a 100% overall training satisfaction score. Agilence's Customer Success team continues to improve year after year, assisting our clients to achieve a greater than 10x return on investment on average.

"Winning our eighth consecutive Stevie Award is a tremendous honor and a reflection of our team's dedication to our customers," said Russ Hawkins, CEO of Agilence. "At Agilence, we pride ourselves on not just delivering industry-leading analytics, case management, and audit management solutions, but also ensuring that our customers have the support they need to maximize their impact. This recognition reinforces our commitment to customer success."

The Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service are the world's premier accolades for customer service, contact center, business development, and sales professionals. Winners are determined by the scores of more than 150 global professionals on seven specialized judging committees.

The 19th annual awards will be presented during a gala event at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City on April 10, 2025. More than 2,100 nominations from organizations of all sizes and industries were submitted for this year's awards.

Details about the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service and the list of Stevie winners in all categories are available at www.StevieAwards.com/Sales.

For more information about Agilence and its award-winning customer success team, visit www.agilenceinc.com.

'Scattered Spider' Hit Retailers, Now Moving Onto Other Industries
Threat group linked to UK, US retail attacks now targeting insurance industry

The warning from Google researchers follows a recent incident at Erie Insurance, although the perpetrators of that attack have not been identified.

Hackers linked to a recent string of attacks on U.K. and U.S. retailers are now targeting the insurance industry, according to Google researchers.

The attackers, suspected to be part of the collective known as Scattered Spider, have been targeting the retail industry since April and pivoted toward the insurance industry earlier this month, according to Google. Researchers say there are already multiple confirmed incidents at insurance companies.

“Google Threat Intelligence Group is now aware of multiple intrusions in the US which bear all the hallmarks of Scattered Spider activity,” John Hultquist, chief analyst at Google Threat Intelligence Group, said in a statement. “We are now seeing incidents in the insurance industry. Given this actor’s history of focusing on a sector at a time, the insurance industry should be on high alert, especially for social engineering schemes which target their help desks and call centers.”

There has been a “wave of targeting” over the past one and a half weeks, according to Hultquist.

Scattered Spider has a history of targeting specific industries in clusters; researchers previously linked it to attacks on MGM Resorts and other casino companies. The threat collective is known to utilize sophisticated social-engineering techniques designed to trick IT help desks and others into bypassing multifactor authentication or otherwise handing over credentials. cybersecuritydive.com

AI & Retail Job Recruitment
Will AI Elevate Job Recruitment at Retail?
Showing the potential of artificial intelligence to reimagine the job-recruitment process, Walmart is piloting a new AI Interview Coach tool to help prospective candidates prepare for their interview.

Simulating a realistic Walmart interview, candidates answer up to 10 questions, are scored for each response on a 1-10 scale, and receive pointers on structure, clarity and confidence.

“Whether you’re preparing for your first hourly job or aiming for a leadership role, this practice environment with actionable feedback builds skill and self-assurance,” said Walmart. “This will give talented candidates a better chance of landing jobs they’re qualified for but might miss out on due to interviewing poorly.”

Walmart said the tool, currently being piloted with associates, will be offered to all applicants, both internal and external, if it performs as expected.

AI Increasingly Becoming a Regular Part of the Job Hunting and Hiring Process, Despite Concerns

The 2025 Market Trend Report from recruitment firm Career Group found 65% of job candidates using AI at some point in the job application process. Of those using AI in their job hunt, the biggest use case was for cover letter, 20%; resume writing, 19%; for their headshot, 9%; and for interview practice, 7%.

For hiring professionals, AI adoption has shifted from experimentation to full-scale implementation globally, according to hiring platform HireVue’s 2025 Global Guide to AI in Hiring. retailwire.com

Customer Data at Risk?
FTC reminds car dealers to protect customer data

The commission described how recently updated federal regulations affect dealerships — and their vendors.

The Federal Trade Commission on Monday warned auto dealers that recently updated regulations require them to protect customer data. The FTC modernized the Safeguards Rule twice in the past five years, and now it wants car dealers to understand their responsibilities.

The guidance reflects the commission’s continued interest in protecting driver privacy, despite the change in political leadership following President Donald Trump’s election in 2024.

The Safeguards Rule, originally part of a 1999 law, is the FTC’s core cybersecurity regulation. The commission updated the regulation in 2021 to require more security precautions from banks In 2023, it broadened those requirements to include “non-banking financial institutions.” Among the covered industries: car dealers that offer financing to customers.
cybersecuritydive.com

Securing agentic AI systems before they go rogue

Retail's 'Shadow Economy'
Cracking Down on Counterfeits: The Growing Threat in E-Commerce

By the D&D Daily staff

As online shopping continues to surge, so too does the shadow economy of counterfeit goods. From luxury handbags to electronics and cosmetics, counterfeiters are using third-party marketplaces, social media ads, and even AI-generated listings to fool consumers and profit from fake merchandise. While platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Alibaba have implemented anti-counterfeiting tools, the scale and sophistication of digital fraud are evolving faster than enforcement can keep up.

One major challenge is the global and decentralized nature of e-commerce. Sellers can easily hide behind fake storefronts or change their names repeatedly. Products can appear authentic online, only to disappoint—or even endanger—customers upon arrival. In some cases, fake items like batteries or beauty products have raised serious health and safety concerns.

To combat this, tech companies and regulators are increasingly turning to advanced solutions like machine learning, digital watermarks, and blockchain-based authentication. Brands are also getting more involved, using “brand registries” to flag fakes and proactively remove suspicious listings. In the U.S., the INFORM Consumers Act, which took effect in 2023, requires online marketplaces to collect and verify more information about high-volume third-party sellers to deter bad actors.

Still, enforcement remains patchy. Smaller platforms often lack the resources to implement strong protections, and counterfeiters are quick to migrate to less-regulated sites. Consumers, meanwhile, are left navigating a landscape where it’s not always clear what’s real and what’s fake.

Education is part of the solution. Shoppers are encouraged to buy directly from brand websites, review seller ratings carefully, and avoid deals that seem too good to be true. Transparency from platforms about their anti-counterfeiting efforts—and how consumers can report suspicious items—is also essential.

As e-commerce grows more complex, addressing the counterfeit problem will require sustained coordination between retailers, platforms, brands, and regulators. Without meaningful action, the trust that fuels the digital marketplace risks being eroded—one fake product at a time.

E-Commerce & AI
Survey: Businesses to continue AI investment with voice assistants, chatbots
The overwhelming majority of businesses are adopting artificial intelligence into their customer communications.

According to a new report based on surveys of businesses and consumers from communications platform Sinch, 97% of businesses plan to use AI in their customer communications this year, with top investment areas for 2025 including AI voice assistants (63%), AI-powered video chats (48%) and AI-driven chatbots (43%).

Sixty percent of financial services respondents and 57% from healthcare say they’ll invest in AI chatbots, which is higher than the average of 46%. Only 29% of retailers said they’d invest in other messaging apps like WhatsApp and Messenger, which is lower than the 42% average across industries surveyed by Sinch.

In the next year, almost half (46%) of all business leaders surveyed said they plan to focus on improving the way communications integrate with their tech stacks. A similar number (43%) will prioritize adopting emerging technologies, with personalization and optimization of existing communications channels (40%) and implementation of more AI and automation into communications (35%) being the two top investment areas. A combined 22% say they’ll either maintain or reduce their investments in communications in 2025. chainstoreage.com

Amazon Prime Day 2025 starts July 8 and it’s four days long

Woodland Hills, CA: 3 Suspect at large in Jewelry store burglary
The Los Angeles Police Department received a burglary call from the intersection of Ventura Boulevard and Canoga Avenue in Woodland Hills just before 3:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 17. A witness said the suspects broke into the business next door through the roof and climbed down using a ladder, before they proceeded to cut a hole into the wall of Jean Pierre Jewelers. No suspects have been taken into custody. However, investigators believe they are the same suspects behind another jewelry store burglary in the Topanga area the day prior. At this stage of the investigation, it’s unclear how much merchandise was taken. foxla.com

Langhorne, PA: $20,000 in lawn equipment stolen from Bucks County store in just 3 minutes
Lawn Barn on Woodburne Road in Langhorne was broken into and robbed on June 11 just before 3 a.m. Police say three suspects orchestrated the entire burglary in just three minutes. Surveillance footage shows the trio pull up in a pickup truck, before smashing through the front door and grabbing numerous pieces of lawn equipment and fleeing the scene. The stolen equipment totaled at least $20,000, according to Lawn Barn. Lawn Barn is asking any neighbors with security cameras, video doorbells, or dashcams to review their footage for any suspicious activity. Middletown Township Police are also asking anyone with information to contact them as they investigate the burglary. fox29.com

San Marcos, CA: Update: 3 men arrested for April robbery at jewelry store
Three men have been arrested for a robbery at a San Marcos jewelry store in April. On April 25, two masked men armed with hammers entered Royal Jewelers in San Marcos, ordering the clerk to the ground, smashing display cases, and stealing over 100 pieces of jewelry. The men fled in a stolen Ford Fusion with a fake temp tag, later switching vehicles to a white Dodge Durango. San Marcos police say that the arrests were thanks to surveillance cameras, license plate reader technology and detectives. The three were charged with first-degree aggravated robbery and first-degree felony engaging in organized criminal activity for the April robbery. fox7austin.com

Gloucester Township, NJ: Nike staff confront suspect, try to stop theft from South Jersey outlets
Police say the suspect was seen entering the Nike store at the Gloucester Premium Outlets on June 7, filling a bag with shoes, shirts and shorts totaling just under $640. When store staff attempted to stop him from exiting the store, he started arguing. Video surveillance from the store then shows the suspect exiting with the stolen merchandise in his hands. He was last seen driving off in a black sedan. fox29.com

Suffolk County, NY: Man Goes on Shoplifting Spree at Commack Store, Makes Off with Nearly $1,500 in Merchandise

Oregon City, OR: Police Release New Pictures In $1000 Gaming Store Burglary

View ORC Archives

Case Goes Public?
Share it with the industry

Submit your ORC Association News

Visit ORC
Resource Center

Shootings & Deaths

Kent, WA: Man killed in daylight shooting and crash outside Kent c-store
One man was killed in a shooting in Kent's East Hill neighborhood Monday afternoon, according to the Kent Police Department. The shooting led to a chaotic car crash near a convenience store in Kent, rattling bystanders and drawing renewed concern over crime in the area. Police said a 28-year-old Kent man is the suspected shooter. He remained on scene, surrendered his firearm and is cooperating with the investigation, according to officers. king5.com

Sanford, CT: Update: ATF searching for suspect in deadly Sanford convenience store shooting
More than a month after a convenience store clerk was shot and killed in a robbery, federal authorities are asking for help identifying a suspect. According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms and Explosives, the bureau is offering a reward up to $7,500 for information related to a robbery on May 3 at a Value Mart Convenience Store in Sanford. On May 3, a suspect in all-black attire, with a black mask and a pistol, entered the convenience store on NC Highway 87. Once inside, the suspect hit a customer with the pistol, which caused it to fire, striking an employee at the store. The employee, later identified as Alfredo Morales, died from his injuries. wral.com

Columbus, OH: Man sentenced to 21 years for Tuttle Mall shooting in 2022
The man who shot and killed 25-year-old Dontarious Sylvester at the Mall at Tuttle Crossing in 2022 has been sentenced to more than two decades in prison. Tyrone Gray Jr. has been sentenced to 21 years in prison after being found guilty on two counts of murder and inducing panic. Police said surveillance video captured Gray and another man arguing inside a store before the shooting occurred. Gray claimed he fired his gun in self-defense. Authorities reported that Gray called 911 on himself and admitted to the shooting. abc6onyourside.com

Myrtle Beach, SC: 2 shot at teen’s birthday party at Myrtle Beach area mall
No arrests have been made in a shooting at a teenager’s birthday party that occurred at Waccamaw Mall in Myrtle Beach earlier this month. Horry County Police officers responded to the shooting at 3071 Waccamaw Blvd. around midnight June 8, 2025, where they found two victims, the incident report said. myrtlebeachonline.com

Robberies, Incidents & Thefts

Charlottesville, VA: Chief Kochis: beefing up Fri and Sat night Mall patrols and working with business owners

Washington, D.C.: Man Sentenced to Seven Years for Armed Robberies at Northwest 7-Eleven Stores

Feature Your Job Here For 30 Days -
70% Aren't On The Boards
Post your job listing

Featured Job Spotlights

Staffing 'Best in Class' Teams

Every one has a role to play in building an industry.
Filled your job? Any good candidates left over?
Help Your Colleagues - Your Industry - Build a 'Best in Class' Community

Manager Field Loss Prevention - Arizona (Remote)
Remote - Posted May 23

The Loss Prevention team is a key strategic pillar within Staples US Retail organization and our people are the heart of our success. We believe in collaboration, curiosity and continuous learning in all that we think, create and do. We are investing in our people and our stores, empowering our people to learn, grow and deliver. Come be a part of a team that's leading the way in a new era of working and living...

Region Asset Protection Manager
Jackson, MI - Posted April 17

The Region Asset Protection Manager will be the primary subject matter expert in regard to the training, auditing, and investigatory needs of Dollar General. Their key efforts are to reduce shrinkage and increase profitability through proactive training mediums, standardized audits and the resolution of internal and external investigations...

Manager, Regional Loss Prevention
Birmingham, AL / Nashville, TN - Posted March 7

This position is responsible for managing all aspects of loss prevention for a geographic area to reduce and control shortage and other financial losses in 124+ company stores. The coverage areas average $850+ million in sales revenue...

Featured Jobs

To apply to any of today's Featured Jobs, Click Here

View Featured Jobs | Post Your Job

Having a strategy or a plan about everything you do is important if you expect to win long term. Daily victories are nothing without a long-term plan. They fade quickly and leave the audience expecting more, which only a plan and strategy will satisfy. So after your next victory, ask yourself what am I going to do next?

Just a Thought,
Gus

Post Your Tip or Advice!
(content subject to approval)

NRF PROTECT 2025
June 23-25

GROC Retail Crime Conference
August 13

LAORCA Summer Symposium
August 14

CLEAR Annual Conference
October 20-22

MAORCA Fall ORC Conference
October 30

See More Events

Recruiting?
Get your job e-mailed to everyone... everyday
Post on our Featured Jobs Board!

Not getting the Daily?
Is it ending up in your spam folder?
Please make sure to add d-ddaily@downing-downing.com to your contact list, address book, trusted sender list, and/or company whitelist to ensure you receive our newsletter.
Want to know how? Read Here

SUBSCRIBE

FEEDBACK

www.downing-downing.com

Advertise With The D&D Daily