Tony Sheppard, MSM, CFI, LPC’s Post

For the better part of a year, CNBC embedded with various law enforcement agencies to understand what organized retail crime actually looks like from the ground as #retailers continue to call it an industry wide dilemma. In some cases, we saw low-level #shoplifting incidents involving people who appeared to be homeless or mentally ill. In other instances, we saw takedowns of alleged organized theft groups that police said were reselling stolen merchandise at flea markets. The final case we tracked involved a theft group that police say was in operation for more than a decade and made millions reselling stolen cosmetics on Amazon. But federal agents with Homeland Security Investigations said some crime groups are even more elaborate — and theft is just one facet of their enterprises. “We’re talking about operations that have fleets of trucks, 18-wheelers that have palletized loads of stolen goods, that have cleaning crews that actually clean the goods to make them look brand new,” said Adam Parks, CAMS, an assistant special agent in charge at HSI Baton Rouge. “Just like any business, they’ve invested their capital into business assets like shrink wrap machines, forklifts. That is what organized theft looks like, and it actually is indistinguishable from other e-commerce distribution centers.” Our story revealed the inner-workings of the organized theft groups targeting a range of retailers, including Walgreens, The TJX Companies, Inc. and Ulta Beauty. So great working with Scott Zamost and Courtney Reagan on this piece. Let us know what you think in the comments below. #retailcrime #retail #theft #cnbc #lawenforcement https://lnkd.in/eaUjsz4M

For those complaining about crime, it has taken time to investigate retail crime in order to find the best deterrent to it. I've certainly been annoyed with the decreased service by my local stores including grocery stores. When the stores opt to downsize in some ways because of this crime, it definitely hurts consumers. Like most things, crime is not a one-size-fits-all concept. There a big difference between stealing a single grapefruit, being part of a theft operation, leading a theft operation, using illicit drugs, dealing illicit drugs, importing large quantities of illicit drugs, embezzling a small amount of money, creating schemes to scam a large amount of citizens, covering up a scandal with campaign funds, voter fraud, coordinating voter fraud, participating in an insurrection, and leading an insurrection. #crime #crimeprevention #organizedcrime #lawenforcement

🚨 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐍𝐘𝐂 𝐈𝐬 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐮𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐟𝐭 🚨 Recent reports indicate that retail theft in #NewYork City has skyrocketed, with over 38,000 petty larceny cases in 2024 alone. This surge is not an isolated phenomenon but reflects a national trend where 88% of retailers believe shoplifters have become increasingly aggressive. Nationally, #RetailTheft costs businesses approximately $100 billion annually. The closure of Manhattan's first #Target store due to relentless theft underscores the severity of the situation, particularly affecting neighborhoods like East Harlem, already struggling with limited public transit and economic opportunities. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐬 🔍 Understanding why crime persists at such alarming rates requires a multi-faceted analysis. Several factors contribute to the current state: 𝟏 𝐋𝐚𝐱 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 ⚖️ New York's laws often treat shoplifting as a minor misdemeanor, creating an environment where criminals face minimal consequences. This leniency emboldens thieves and perpetuates a cycle of crime that harms businesses and communities alike. 𝟐 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 💰 Organized retail theft rings exploit the lenient legal environment to steal and resell items at lower prices, creating a lucrative black market. The economic downturn and rising cost of living also push individuals towards theft as a means of survival or quick profit. 𝟑 𝐈𝐧𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐞 #𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 🛡️ Many stores are not equipped with sufficient security infrastructure to deter theft. Even with the implementation of body cameras and other technologies, the effectiveness is limited by the legal framework and the training of store personnel. 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐬 🛡️ To combat this growing threat, retailers must adopt a comprehensive security #Strategy that includes both technological advancements and human factors: 𝟏 𝐄𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 📹 Investing in high-quality CCTV systems with real-time monitoring can help detect and deter theft. These systems should cover all entry and exit points, as well as key areas within the store. 𝟐 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥 🚪 Implementing strict access control measures, such as membership requirements and controlled entry points, can reduce unauthorized access. Costco's model of requiring a membership for entry is a good example. 𝟑 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 👥 Training employees in loss prevention techniques and conflict de-escalation is crucial. Employees should be aware of the legal limits of their actions and how to safely handle potential shoplifting incidents. #GoYallo

A sophisticated theft ring targeting high-value items such as laundry detergent, high-end fragrances, and luxury clothing has been dismantled in Palm Beach County, leading to the arrest of three people involved in over 35 retail thefts and the distribution of controlled substances. The suspects stole a variety of items, including: Laundry Detergent: Multiple brands such as Tide and Gain, with individual thefts ranging from $61.96 to $666.17. High-End Fragrances: Including Creed and Bond No. 9, with thefts valued at $5,035 from Saks Fifth Avenue and $4,890 from Bloomingdales. Luxury Clothing: Items like sports coats and Eton shirts, with individual thefts valued at $1,240 and $288.71. The group allegedly used social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to sell stolen goods for a profit, according to the arrest affidavit. #PalmBeachCounty #OrganizedRetailCrime #LawEnforcement

Crimes against retailers have become increasingly more aggressive and violent, especially in jewelry stores. INSTORE Magazine’s The Big Story discusses industry-specific crime trends jewelers should be aware of, and reminds them of best practices for protecting their employees, customers and their physical property.    Special thanks to writer Eileen McClelland for including Jewelers Mutual's Vice President of Global Risk and Analytics, Howard Stone, who joins other security experts from the jewelry community in educating and providing expert advice on protection from a variety of retail crimes.     #trustedadvisor #risksolutions #jewelryindustry #safety #security #lossprevention #riskmanagement #jewelrycrimes #bestpractices   https://lnkd.in/gMEMZcs3

Over the past two weeks, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agents joined forces with our state and local law enforcement partners to execute Operation Swamp Sweep, a two-week retail crime surge operation in the Baton Rouge area conducted by the HSI-led Louisiana Organized Retail Crime Task Force (LORCTF). Results: 🔹38 arrests; 🔹10 arrests of wanted persons; 🔹recovered nearly $5,000 in merchandise, 🔹closed multiple pre-existing, open cases including arresting one longstanding career fugitive wanted in four parishes with seven warrants. Operation Swamp Sweep leveraged the insights of Operation Sleigh Ride, which was conducted during the 2023 holiday shopping season, to seamlessly integrate tactical communications and enforcement efforts between dozens of retailers and multiple law enforcement agencies. HSI, the law enforcement agencies that make up the LORCTF, and our retail partners through the Louisiana - Arkansas - Mississippi - Alabama Organized Retail Crime Alliance will continue to conduct periodic surge operations to ensure Americans can shop safely and securely, and without the added costs associated with theft.

Retail Theft is Out of Control: Harsher Penalties Are Welcomed I want to commend San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins for her determined pursuit of stiffer penalties for those who engage in organized retail theft. These bad actors have become brazen, showing zero regard for anyone's safety, and they act without fear of getting caught, emboldened by no-chase policies and lack of accountability. Bystanders and employees are left to live in fear, facing robbery after robbery with no support or signs that the situation will improve. At Patronscan, we advocate for more effective methods to address retail theft. Our research indicates that Identity Verification Access Control (IVAC) solutions can reduce theft by up to 96%. These solutions enhance secure shopping, control access at entrances, and support unattended retail environments. While implementing this technology may introduce a minor inconvenience, the significant improvements in safety and reduction in theft make it a worthwhile investment for businesses. Other alternatives, like off-duty police and security guards who can't chase, or full chains on doors, are not only ineffective but also inefficient. As DA Jenkins stated, “Prolific, brazen, organized retail thieves will be vigorously prosecuted; there will be accountability, and perpetrators will face the consequences.” We stand with this commitment to safety and accountability. For businesses looking for a more effective solution, know that Patronscan is here to help. Together, we can create safer environments and significantly reduce theft. https://lnkd.in/gGkBx5u7 #PublicSafety #RetailSecurity #Innovation #Patronscan #SanFrancisco #DA #SecuritySolutions #OrganizedRetailTheft #IVAC #lossprevention QuikTrip Wawa, Inc. Walgreens Circle K 7-Eleven Kum & Go Sheetz Safeway Co-op LCBO Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Corporation Brown Jug Clif Chapman Karl Bergmann Marty Power Clint Morrison Shannon Morrison Ben Van Houten

🚨 Exciting News in Retail Theft Legislation! 🚨 Big strides are being made in the fight against retail theft with a groundbreaking new law. Under this legislation, a first-degree felony penalty will now be imposed if the stolen merchandise's retail value surpasses $50,000. This is a crucial step to deter theft and protect businesses. But that's not all! The law introduces 'The Office of Deputy Attorney General for Organized Retail Crime Theft,' which will deploy five prosecuting attorneys to focus on retail theft in various districts across the state. A proactive measure that aims to address the rising issue of organized retail crime. Vincent Emmanuel, a 7-Eleven owner in South Philadelphia, welcomes the news with open arms. "This is probably one of the best news I've heard in the 43 years of operating this business," he expressed. For business owners like Emmanuel, who face daily challenges of theft, this law provides a much-needed boost. Law enforcement, too, is optimistic. Detective Scott Pezick believes that this legislation will not only put a brake on theft but also disrupt pawn shops involved in purchasing stolen goods. Recent events, including a federal raid on a Philadelphia pawn shop linked to a multi-million dollar retail theft ring, highlight the urgency of such measures. Let's applaud the government's commitment to providing the infrastructure needed for businesses to thrive. It's a significant step towards a safer and more profitable environment. Do you think similar laws should be adopted elsewhere? Share your thoughts! 👇 #RetailTheft #Legislation #BusinessProtection #LawEnforcement #SecurityMatters

We're all familiar with the saying "follow the money." While retailers primarily focus on controlling major losses orchestrated by Organized Retail Crime (ORC), it often feels like playing a game of Whack-a-Mole; we seldom hear of the victory of shutting down the root that sustains these operations. Conducting proactive fencing investigations to “follow the money” is just as crucial as combating the organized shoplifters. Attacking the full circle of ORC operations should be approached like making moves on a chessboard, with every move focused on the end game of capturing the queen—checkmate. Full collaboration among retail investigators, law enforcement agencies, and our district attorney's office is essential in our offensive approach to the the increasing wave of retail crime. Nice job to all who contributed to this win!

I think most of us agree that there is a need for harsher penalties when it comes to shoplifting, but that is not the core issue. In the past, with less technology and fewer cameras, shoplifting was less prevalent. To truly eliminate the shoplifting issue, we need to find and address the root cause. For now, I don’t think adding more cameras will help, as they are only useful as evidence after the fact and don’t actually prevent theft. Many stores, including supermarkets, are turning to more cameras and AI but aren't making any substantial changes to address the issue. At INSTALANE, we have our Instasecure system, which uses a combination of both technology and human interaction to help prevent shoplifting. Our system is based on a simple but powerful idea: trust but verify.