Kenneth J. Vehrkens II’s Post

#Retailers reported a 93 percent increase in the average number of shoplifting incidents per year in 2023 versus 2019 and a 90 percent increase in dollars lost due to shoplifting over the same time period, according to a new study released by the National Retail Federation (NRF). Conducted in partnership with the Loss Prevention Research Council and sponsored by Sensormatic Solutions, “The Impact of Retail Theft & Violence 2024” examines how theft and violence have evolved since before COVID-19 and how retailers are combating today’s retail crime landscape. “Retailers continue to navigate a rising retail theft landscape that has evolved significantly over time,” said NRF Vice President for Asset Protection and Retail Operations David Johnston. “Protecting store associates and customers, coupled with reducing today’s levels of violence and retail crime, requires a whole-community approach and collaboration across all stakeholders.” #RetailCrime #LawEnforcement #Pandemic #Violence #Safety

💼 Organized Retail Theft Ring Busted! 💄🛍️ A major bust just rocked the retail world! A shoplifting ring swiped nearly $2M in cosmetics and clothes from big-name stores like Macy's, Victoria's Secret, and Ulta Beauty, reselling the loot in New York City and the Dominican Republic. Five New Yorkers are now facing felony charges thanks to a law recently signed by NY Gov. Kathy Hochul. This crackdown couldn't come at a better time as we dive into the holiday shopping season. 🌲✨ Did you know businesses lose around $100 billion annually to organized retail theft? This impacts us all, with the average family paying $500 more each year. So, as you hunt for holiday deals, remember to shop from reputable retailers. If a deal feels too good to be true, it probably is. This case serves as a powerful reminder to support legitimate establishments and ensure we're not funding criminal activities. Stay vigilant and shop smart, everyone! Let's keep the holiday cheer intact by deterring crime and supporting our local businesses. What are your thoughts on this issue? Drop a comment below! ⬇️ #RetailSecurity #ShopSmart #HolidayShopping2024

If, as I wrote yesterday, police are not helping shops about theft, the fact is that you can easily find a shop that could do more to help itself. Like a branch of TK Maxx in a county town that on the walk from the door to the tills appeared to have one (female) member of staff on the floor, and two, including the (female) branch manager, behind the till, serving a queue that over lunch only got longer. Did they not know Christmas, the busiest time of the retail year, was coming? Not only did the shop seem to have little in the way to stop (or deter) a thief walking out without paying: who's to say the wait to pay could be the last straw in a shopper's bad day that causes verbal abuse against staff, when eventually served? In a town where even WH Smiths (long a byword for doing as little about security as it can get away with, the same as pubs on the high street are bywords for where thieves go to offer stolen goods for sale) has been hiring a security guard more often than usual (so another store's manager told me: all in retail have eyes and notice and rate what others are doing).Retail choicesShops like the rest of us make choices all the time, between securing things and making them conveniently available. High shelves that serve to conceal thieves concealing things. The most desirable goods such as alcohol nearest the door. Why not as in The Body Shop I went in yesterday have two (female) staff almost near touching distance of the door, carrying tablets that make them mobile till points. It started during covid, one told me, to avoid shoppers having to queue well inside the premises, that's shaped long and narrow. The store then can offer prompt customer service, and take your money before you have second thoughts about buying butter; that you spread on your skin? to moisturise?! Of all I saw yesterday, for this man that was the hardest thing of all to understand.

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

Retail crime "spiralling out of control" Retail violence and abuse increased over 50% to more than 2,000 incidents a day Losses from customer theft reached a record £2.2 billion in 2023/24 Record crime levels come despite retailers spending £1.8 billion on prevention Retail crime is at its highest level on record, according to new figures released today from the British Retail Consortium’s (BRC) Annual Crime Survey. The survey reveals incidents of violence and abuse in 2023/24 climbed to over 2,000 per day, up from 1,300 the year before. This is more than three times what it was in 2020, when there were just 455 incidents a day. Incidents included racial or sexual abuse, physical assault or threats with weapons. There were 70 incidents per day which involved a weapon, more than double the previous year. With the total number of incidents continuing to grow, and their nature becoming increasingly aggressive, satisfaction with the police remains low, with 61% of respondents describing the police response to incidents as ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’. Of the remaining, 29% rated the response as ‘fair’, a further 6% said good, and 3% described it as ‘excellent’, the first time in five years that any retailers have rated it as such. Theft also reached an all-time high with over 20 million incidents (over 55,000 per day) costing retailers £2.2 billion in 2023/24 (up from £1.8 billion the previous year). Many more incidents are linked to organised crime, with gangs systematically targeting stores across the country, stealing tens of thousands of pounds worth of goods and rotating around multiple stores. Unsurprisingly, the amount spent on crime prevention is also at a record high, with retailers investing £1.8 billion on measures such as CCTV, more security personnel, anti-theft devices and body worn cameras, up from £1.2 billion the previous year. This takes the total cost of crime to an eye-watering £4.2 billion, up from £3.3 billion. And adds to the wider cost pressures retailers already face, further limiting investment and pushing up prices for customers everywhere. The Labour Government has pledged to address the rise in retail crime through stronger measures to tackle shoplifting and anti-social behavior, including removing the £200 threshold of ‘low level’ theft. They also announced in the King’s Speech they would introduce a standalone offence for assaulting a retail worker. Retailers will be looking closely at the details of the Crime and Policing Bill to ensure that its protections apply to all customer-facing retail workers, from those behind the till to delivery drivers.  #business #police #community #creatingsafercommunities #eliminatingthefearofcrime #brokenwindows

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."

#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.

The repercussions for shoplifting or deceiving stores may be perceived as severe by some, yet justified by others. Upon examining various incidents and their implications, it becomes evident that certain crucial aspects were overlooked, leading to the prolonged operation of dishonest individuals. Turning a blind eye to shoplifting and deception not only harms the affected store financially but also fosters a culture of tolerance for unethical behaviour. By neglecting to address instances of shoplifting or deceit, businesses inadvertently condone such actions, signalling to perpetrators that their misconduct will go unchecked. This lack of accountability can embolden individuals to continue engaging in illegal activities, further eroding the integrity of the retail environment. Additionally, the financial losses incurred by stores as a result of theft and deception can have a detrimental impact on their operations, potentially leading to increased prices for honest customers to offset these losses. It is imperative for businesses to prioritise the enforcement of policies and procedures aimed at deterring and addressing shoplifting and deception. Implementing robust security measures, conducting regular audits, and providing employee training on identifying and responding to suspicious behaviour are essential steps in safeguarding the interests of the store and maintaining a fair and ethical retail environment. By taking a proactive stance against dishonest practices, businesses can uphold their reputation, protect their bottom line, and uphold standards of integrity that benefit both the organisation and its patrons. Robberies: https://lnkd.in/gbn2mDAd Watch us on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3p9YAD6 #quelltraining #workplaceviolence #workplaceviolenceprevention #personalsafety #retail

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?

Wisconsin Retail Theft Statistics Retailers in Wisconsin lost $1.422 billion in revenue to theft in 2022. Wisconsin retailers lost $305.98 in sales per capita in 2022. Retail theft per capita in Wisconsin is 11.1% lower than the average among states. Theft of $2,500 or more is a felony in Wisconsin. Return fraud cost Wisconsin retailers an estimated $1.544 billion in sales revenue, bringing lost retail sales up to $2.966 billion. The State of Wisconsin lost out on $71.1 million in retail sales tax dollars due to theft. Wisconsin sales tax dollars lost to return fraud totaled $77.2 million, bringing the total lost sales tax to $148 million.