David McKELVEY’s Post

So, what level of Retail Crime (shoplifting) would be considered to be ‘Acceptable’? With retail crime at significantly alarming levels across AU, NZ, & across the globe, the high incidence of theft & violence in a retail environment seems to be finally garnering the attention of governments. Whilst this is great news for retailers, & very much long overdue, there are two important issues to be considered; 1️⃣ One of the most interesting elements in this conversation is that it is likely that only 10% of shop theft is formally reported each year to our policing agencies. That’s right…up to 90% of the real incidents of theft are not reported to police. The underreporting of crime to police (not just retail) is a considerable issue in AU & NZ. In part, this can be attributed to two key factors: ➡️ There is often an apathy from retailers that retail crime reporting isn’t worth it, as it isn’t always taken seriously by police agencies, & offenders receive a ‘slap on the wrist’. So, many retailers feel like there isn’t any point. Alarmingly, this is also the case in many places where aggression & violence occurs so often that it is accepted as the norm, & isn’t reported. ➡️ For larger enterprise size retailers, reporting is often undertaken on non police reporting platforms which do not integrate with police reporting systems. Typically, a retail team member will only report internally, & not externally to Police…hence approx. 90% of the crime going unreported. 2️⃣ Aside from theft reporting issues, the biggest concern in all of this is the growing incidence of violence (both physical & psychological) against retail teams. Sadly, the statistics show that 80% of the violence / aggression against team is during theft intervention! We all want to reduce or stop retail crime, but the reality is that our team are often contributing to the aggression & assaults…& this urgently needs to be halted. It is understandable that team can take theft personally, but for any retail leader, the significantly more personal outcome is when team escalate a situation to get back a chocolate bar, stop a trolley, search a bag, or argue over a refund, & they are harmed. What can be done: ✅ Continue to build strategies for deterring retail crime. Whether this is: - Increased security technology to deter & enhance reporting opportunities - Better trained & remunerated Security Guards (& potentially more powers) - Community policing deployments & operations in shopping centres. ✅ Improve training: - Communications & Dealing with Conflict sessions. - More effective eLearning. ✅Coordinated strategies across shopping centres. There is no level of retail crime that should be acceptable, but more importantly…There is absolutely no level of aggression & violence that is acceptable…one incident is one too many. #retail #crime #shoppingcentre #violence Workforce Resilience https://lnkd.in/gRFPrsnT

How Shoplifting Became an Epidemic in the UK Today I saw a young woman passing from section to section in a biig store, grabbing clothes, underwear, and avoiding the fitting room. She was wandering inside the shop for at least 30 minutes, hands full, and apparently not worried about the surveillance. At some point, she simply ran! And was caught immediately. This made me think about all nonsense of this situation, and find out that it is an epidemic in the UK. In 2023, according to the Crime Report provided by the Association of Convenience Stores, the number of similar cases reached to 1.1 million incidents. In 2024, local shops reported a staggering 5.6 million incidents of shop theft. A record. over the last year. The British Retail Consortium also conducted an annual survey. In 2023 , were nearly 1 billion lost to customer theft. In 2024, shoplifters caused in the first months, 2 billion pounds in financial impact. The retail industry had to invest in technologies and strategies to prevent the crime. Security staff alert with surveillance devices but… they cannot do much. The rule is: protect staff and merchandise. The government decided to make tougher penalties for serial and abusive shoplifters, as such as up to 6 months in prison, fines, and bans from returning to the scene of their crimes. Assaulting a retail worker is now a standalone criminal offense. The causes for this epidemic vary from psychological issues to bad behaviour and financial struggle. But they still burning the electronic security devices, shifting pieces inside the store or simply grabbing and running. And what happened to the young woman that I saw shoplift today? She dropped the clothes on the street while she ran away. Will she try it again?

#BreakingNews #BlackHole #RiskManagement Retail Theft Surges During the Holiday Season: A Growing Concern Retail theft, including shoplifting, has reached unprecedented levels, with a significant spike reported during the holiday season of 2024. According to recent statistics, this alarming trend is having severe financial, social, and operational impacts on retailers, staff, and communities. Record Losses for Retailers The National Retail Federation’s 2024 report reveals that shoplifting incidents have risen by 93% compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019, with financial losses increasing by 90% over the same period. In 2023 alone, retail theft cost businesses approximately $121.6 billion, with projections suggesting these losses could surpass $150 billion by 2026. Impact on Businesses and Communities The consequences of rising retail theft extend beyond financial losses. Many retailers have been forced to close their doors, leaving communities without essential services. In New York City, nearly half of all drugstores have shut down over the past decade, with 10% of closures occurring in 2024 alone. These closures are largely attributed to rampant shoplifting and crime, which make it increasingly difficult for businesses to operate profitably. This creates a ripple effect, leading to job losses, reduced access to goods and services, and economic decline in affected areas. The Rise of Aggression in Retail Theft Another concerning aspect of the shoplifting epidemic is the growing aggression of offenders. Retail staff report an increase in violent encounters with shoplifters, putting employees and customers at risk. These incidents highlight the need for improved security measures and better support for retail workers, who often bear the brunt of these confrontations. Addressing the Crisis The rise in retail theft underscores the need for a multifaceted approach to address the issue. Retailers are investing in advanced security technologies, such as AI-powered surveillance systems and facial recognition, to deter theft and identify repeat offenders. However, these measures must be balanced with privacy considerations and ethical concerns. Law enforcement agencies and policymakers also play a critical role in combating retail theft. Strengthening penalties for organised retail crime, increasing police presence in high-risk areas, and providing support for vulnerable communities are essential steps in addressing this crisis. A Call to Action The holiday season is traditionally a time of generosity and goodwill, but the surge in retail theft casts a shadow over this festive period. Retailers, law enforcement, and policymakers must work together to tackle this growing problem, ensuring the safety of staff and customers, while preserving the economic health of communities. It is possible to reduce the social and financial toll of this issue, creating a safer and more secure environment for all.

Crime ‘spiralling out of control’ in stores, warns British Retail Consortium Sarah Butler 30 Jan 2025 UK retailers are warning that crime in their stores is “spiralling out of control” with 55,000 thefts a day and violent and abusive incidents rising by 50% last year. More than 70 incidents a day involved a weapon, according to the annual crime survey from the British Retail Consortium (BRC). Verbal and physical attacks, violent threats, and sexual and racial abuse in shops soared to more than 2,000 incidents a day in the year to the end of last August, up from 1,300 the previous year and more than three times the 2020 level. The trade body’s report, based on a sample from retailers representing more than 1.1 million employees, found theft had reached an all-time high with more than 20m incidents during the year, 25% more than the year before. It said this had cost retailers £2.2bn with many more incidents linked to organised crime as gangs systematically targeted stores across the country. The rise in shoplifting has partly been seen as the result of a squeeze on household finances amid high inflation in recent years, but retailers said the uptick was down to organised gangs stealing to order. They said retail had been seen as a soft target since the 2014 law change in England and Wales which has meant those stealing goods worth less than £200 are usually spared any jail time. Paul Gerrard, the public affairs director at the Co-op, told the House of Lords justice and home affairs committee inquiry into shoplifting that a 44% rise in retail crime it experienced last year was down to “people coming into stores with wheelie bins or a builder’s bag to steal the entire confectionery section or spirits or meat section”. Retailers said a lack of priority by police was also to blame as officers often failed to attend, even when private security staff had apprehended someone with stolen goods. Major retailers have also been accused of fuelling the rise in crime by cutting back the number of staff in stores, including on security, to keep costs down. They have also turned to self-service checkouts and self-scanning devices which are more open to abuse. However, the BRC said retailers had spent £1.8bn on measures to combat crime including CCTV, additional security guards, anti-theft devices and body-worn cameras, up from £1.2bn the previous year. [...] Operation Pegasus, under which 15 large retailers began working with the police under the last government to help tackle organised retail crime, partly by sharing CCTV images, has also had some success but was set up only to deal with activity that crossed police boundaries. [...]

New figures out today from the Office for National Statistics show record levels of shop theft, now standing at over 430,000 offences for the year ending 2023, up 37% on the year prior. These figures are shocking, but they're still only a fraction of the reality of what retailers are experiencing on a daily basis. Our Crime Report estimates that for the convenience sector alone, there have been over 5.6 million thefts, and when you break that down on a store by store basis, that's two incidents of theft per store per week. I would challenge anyone to find a convenience store that is dealing with less than that. The disconnect between the official figures and the amount of incidents that are occurring is likely for two main reasons: 1. Unsurprisingly, not all crime that occurs gets reported to the police. Reporting incidents can be a frustrating, time consuming process, and when reports are made it's often the case that retailers just get a crime number and have to carry on with their day. 2. When crime is reported, retailers are usually reporting multiple incidents after they've become completely fed up with repeat offenders targeting their stores. One reported incident = many real incidents of theft. We continue to encourage retailers to report incidents of theft when they occur, and have called on Police and Crime Commissioners to prioritise response to shop theft in their police and crime plans.

Retail theft has been a growing concern in the U.S. and Canada over the past five years. United States: 2019-2023: Losses due to retail theft increased from $94.5 billion in 2021 to an estimated $121.6 billion in 2023, with projections reaching $150 billion by 2026. (NRF) The National Retail Federation cites organized retail crime as a significant contributor. Canada: 2019-2023: Shoplifting rates rose sharply, with 2022 seeing a 31% increase from 2021. Losses are estimated at $5 billion annually, with major spikes in B.C. (StatCan) The case of Carlos Cenon Santos, who stole $2 million from London Drugs over five years, highlights the scale of internal theft impacting retailers. Tackling these crimes requires stronger deterrents and preventative measures.

Addressing Petty Organised Crime in the Retail and E-Commerce Industry With the enactment of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, a significant legislative development has emerged that holds far-reaching implications for the retail and e-commerce industry in India. Section 112 of this new legal framework focuses on petty organised crime, providing a robust deterrent against various forms of theft and fraud that have plagued the sector. According to Section 112, any member of a group or gang engaging in activities such as theft, snatching, cheating, unauthorised selling of tickets, unauthorised betting or gambling, selling public examination question papers, or other similar criminal acts will face stringent punishment. The law defines theft comprehensively, including trick theft, theft from vehicles, dwelling houses, business premises, cargo theft, pickpocketing, card skimming, shoplifting, and ATM theft. The penalties too are severe, with imprisonment ranging from one to seven years and additional fines, reflecting the seriousness with which these crimes are being addressed. This development is particularly significant for the retail and e-commerce sectors, which have been grappling with colossal fraud and theft challenges. The introduction of such stringent measures is a welcome move, reinforcing the industry's efforts to curb losses and protect both businesses and consumers. As we navigate this new legal landscape, it is crucial for industry stakeholders to stay informed and compliant with these regulations. Together, we can create a more secure and trustworthy environment for all.

The Escalating Crisis: Addressing the Surge in Violent Shoplifting and Organized Retail Crime Across the USA Violent shoplifting has reached unprecedented levels in the United States, with a 93% increase since the pre-pandemic period, leading to a 90% rise in monetary losses for retailers. In 2024 alone, the shoplifting rate rose by 24% compared to the previous year, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Organized retail crime, often involving violent gangs, is not just about theft—it brings intimidation, assault, and significant economic losses to communities nationwide. Here are a few alarming cases from recent years: 1. Los Angeles “Smash-and-Grab” Robbery Ring (2024): A crime ring stole over $3 million in luxury goods in a series of smash-and-grab robberies. Over 30 arrests were made, exposing the sophisticated planning behind these coordinated crimes. 2. San Francisco Nordstrom Incident (July 2024): Nearly 50 individuals stormed a Nordstrom store, stealing thousands of dollars worth of merchandise in under five minutes. This flash mob-style theft added to calls for tougher laws and security measures. 3. New York City’s Retail Theft Epidemic (2024): Retail theft forced major drugstore chains to close locations. In one case, a repeat offender was arrested 50 times for shoplifting but continued to evade long-term consequences, highlighting systemic gaps. 4. Texas Home Depot Assault (November 2024): Two employees were seriously injured during a robbery involving a retail crime group stealing tools and electronics, illustrating the violent nature of these incidents. 5. Chicago Electronics Heist (2023): A theft ring stole over $500,000 in merchandise, later reselling the goods online. This case revealed a larger network of organized crime exploiting digital platforms. As someone with over 20+ years of experience in law enforcement, security operations, and global investigations (orgainzed retail crime, fraud and violent crimes), I’ve witnessed firsthand how these crimes disrupt businesses and communities. I’ve led efforts to dismantle organized crime networks, protect brands, and enhance security resilience for companies worldwide. To combat this crisis, we must: ✅ Strengthening partnerships between retailers, law enforcement, and private security. ✅ Implementing advanced security technologies and training. ✅ Advocating for stronger legal frameworks to hold offenders accountable. This is a call to action for businesses, policymakers, and security professionals to unite in addressing this escalating crisis. Together, we can create safer environments and protect your company of these crime. If you’re looking for a security solution to strengthen your company, let’s connect—I’m ready to bring value, expertise, and results to your organization. Jorge Reyes Jr., MSc, FSO, CISM, CHISSP, PMI-RMP #RetailTheft #OrganizedRetailCrime #ShopliftingCrisis #CommunitySafety #SecurityStrategies #LawEnforcement #PublicSafety #RetailSecurity

I've read the NY Post article titled "NYC shoplifting soars with over 21K complaints lodged so far this year — causing CVS, Walgreens to close up shops." As a Weights and Measures regulatory official, I have firsthand experience witnessing the rise in shoplifting incidents. Over the past year, while conducting commodity and price verification audits in various retail establishments, I've encountered numerous instances of theft. One such instance involved a manager having to put a store on lockdown due to a group of four grown yutes, each over 6 feet tall, blatantly shoplifting in front of the manager and staff. The situation had the potential to escalate, but the manager stood firm, repeatedly asking them to drop their items or face consequences. Eventually, the youths emptied their pockets at the door under the threat of police involvement. Sad part was, they stole food because the were hungry, but worst part is there is a vast public perception that they are only ripping off corporations so 'who cares'? In another instance at a larger retail establishment, I witnessed a group of supposed 'kids' rampaging through the store, grabbing whatever they could until the store manager ran them out. The manager then shared that incidents like this occur frequently, with the store losing $134,000 a month in sales directly related to stealing. Consumers often don't realize that this epidemic of theft is the biggest contributor to inflated pricing at chain retail establishments. While some attribute these prices to hyperinflation and corporate greed, the reality is that prices remain high due to excessive theft and the subsequent insurance claims submitted by these businesses. Those who shrug off shoplifting as "it's only hurting big business" fail to understand that the repercussions extend beyond the corporations. The prices we pay now are a DIRECT consequence of this rampant theft, affecting all of us. https://lnkd.in/ewJJDsKZ

Will the Retail Theft Era Ever Come to an End? In the last few years, cities across the nation have been sharing reports of retail crime in all sorts of shapes and sizes, ranging from flash mobs in broad daylight to organized retail crime rings. How do trends in retail theft across different cities reflect broader socio-economic conditions, and what implications might this have for retailers’ strategies? Read the article & panel discussion here: https://lnkd.in/ejWiPSxH David Biernbaum "Retail theft is a law enforcement issue. There are too many lame excuses for crimes in our country today, and too few crimes are punished appropriately, and especially retail crimes." Lisa Goller, MBA "Locking up merchandise pushes shoppers online and they may wind up choosing a rival’s e-commerce site instead." Neil Saunders "Theft has been around since the beginning of time: stallholders in ancient Rome had problems with urchins stealing things from them."