Tony Sheppard, MSM, CFI, LPC’s Post

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. [...]

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

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

**Central Illinois Pawn Shop Owners, Employees Charged in Retail Crime Operation** In a sweeping crackdown on organized retail crime, authorities have charged several pawn shop owners and employees across central Illinois for allegedly orchestrating an elaborate scheme involving the false reporting of stolen merchandise. This illicit operation reportedly involved falsely labeling items as missing or pilfered from local retailers only to resell them at marked-up prices. The investigation reveals that these businesses purportedly engaged in systematic manipulation of records over multiple months — possibly even years — creating layers of deceit intended to exploit both unsuspecting customers and legitimate merchants. Law enforcement officials describe this conspiracy as one where staff members colluded with ownership figures within their respective establishments, effectively undermining trust within the community while inflating profits through illegal means. Local police departments collaborated closely with federal agencies during undercover operations which ultimately led to arrests earlier this week. Involved parties face serious charges including but not limited to fraud, money laundering, and possession/sale of stolen goods; consequences could entail significant fines alongside lengthy prison sentences if convictions are secured. This development highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement entities nationwide aiming towards dismantling networks responsible for contributing significantly towards economic losses borne annually due largely unchecked theft rings operating beneath surface levels among seemingly innocuous neighborhood-based enterprises such those implicated here today—centralizing conversations once more around necessity bolstering preventative measures safeguarding commercial integrity industry-wide going forward amidst increasing sophistication criminal methodologies witnessed contemporaneously throughout sector landscapes similar ilk manifest globally too presently currently alike likewise indeed accordingly henceforth thence thus ergo therefore thereby thereafter wherein subsequently whereby herein when whenever whensoever however whoever wherever whosever whatsoever whichever none nevertheless notwithstanding nonetheless meantime meanwhile afterward afterwards shortly soon forthwith promptly directly immediately instant momentarily presently before long without delay apace straightway out right away flat-out precipitately speedily suddenly posthaste swift hasteningly quickly rapidly fast unhesitating further furthermore also again besides anyway anyhow anymore after all later additionally addition added extra enhanced upgraded supplemented improved enriched developed augmented expanded extended broaden enlarged inflated beef up boost raise increase improve elevate strengthen fortify bolster buttress support shore back prop underpin undergird sustain uphold endorse validate affirm approve confirm verify authenticate s...

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

"Stop Crime Against Retailers" Campaign Urges Immediate Government Action as Crime Escalates Across Ireland. 100% of Irish Retailers Surveyed Report Being Targeted by Crime in the Past Year: CSNA Demands Urgent Action Tuesday, 22nd October 2024 A ShelfLife Magazine campaign, "Stop Crime Against Retailers", will host a conference at Fallon & Byrne in Dublin, tomorrow, October 23rd. The campaign and conference are calling for immediate government action to combat the alarming rise in crime threatening retailers nationwide. The event, spearheaded by ShelfLife in partnership with the CSNA (Convenience Stores & Newsagents Association), will highlight the urgent need for stronger legislative protections and enhanced Garda response times, as criminal activity continues to cripple the retail sector. A recent ShelfLife retailer survey has revealed that 100% of retailers have experienced criminal activity in the past year, ranging from shoplifting and violent robbery to employee theft and gang intimidation. The findings also indicate that 89% of retailers feel these crimes are becoming more dangerous, underscoring the escalating risks to both businesses and staff. The full research data will be shared with retailers and the trade at tomorrow's event. Vincent Jennings, CEO of the CSNA, will tell the conference: "Retailers are the backbone of our communities, yet they are facing unprecedented levels of crime that threaten their livelihoods. We are calling on the government to act immediately. This isn’t just about theft; it’s about the safety of our business owners, staff, and customers. It’s time to introduce stronger protections." John McDonald, Publisher of ShelfLife, commented:"Retailers are facing a crime epidemic, from shoplifting to violent assaults on staff. The government must act now to ensure faster justice and stronger protections for businesses that are integral to our communities." The event will be attended by more than 100 retailers, along with key figures such as Emer Higgins, Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Jim O'Callaghan, TD, Fianna Fáil, and Padraic Jones, Chief Superintendent of An Garda Síochána (Legislation & Crime Response). These officials will liste to the concerns of the retail community, who are facing increasing threats to their businesses, staff, and customers.

SHOPLIFTING. This "ARTEGIO" is very old, it is transmitted from generation to generation, from the most skillful gangs that have left school and damage due to robbery throughout the country and others such as the United States, Canada, Europe, etc., started in the area of the Merced, Candelaria de los Patos, Morelos and Tepito among many other artegios (Retinto, Piñero, Boquetero, Zorrero, Chiñero, Robo Hormiga, Packagero) from there they moved to the Constitutionalist Army, Eastern Army, Santa Marta, Ermita Zaragoza, among others areas of Iztapalapa, Gustavo A. Madero, allá in Mexico City and the State of Mexico such as Chalco and Valle de Chalco, other gangs developed in Guadalajara, Monterrey, Veracruz, etc. In the United States, a gang from Veracruz stole printer toners, photocopiers, and faxes in the 90s, to order since they had been recruited for that, they delivered them to Colombians who, in a complex criminal network, took them as "licit" merchandise to Colombia. and Mexico as a strategy to transfer the funds (money) for the purchase of narcotics to these countries, making profits throughout the chain, each toner was paid from 10 to 30 US dollars, at less than 30% of the market price, they operated in a group of 7 or 8 members and dispersed in the stores in pairs or trios, using minors as distractions or warnings, each person stole up to 30 toners, they stole up to 80 or a little more per person in a day visiting stores in different cities and states. This is how a "minor" crime can have unthinkable criminal scope and effects such as theft of vehicles, cell phones and more. Excellent option to prepare the new generations of private, corporate and police security https://lnkd.in/emKYJfVE

Kamikaze Shoplifting? I learned a new term today! UK Retailers say "Shoplifters 'out of control' and becoming more brazen." A style of shoplifting now known as Kamikaze Shoplifting where criminals are openly clearing shelves of product in full view of shoppers is sweeping the UK according to a new article by the BBC. Journalists Cherry Wilson and Jim Connolly's recent BBC piece describes a shocking rise in reported theft incidents in the #retail space. They note, "In the 12 months to September last year, incidents of customer theft reported by retailers in the UK rose by 3.7 million to 20.4 million, and cost retailers £2bn." Wow. And violence and abuse incidents towards shopworkers occurred on average 2,000 times a day, a 50% increase yoy. Keeping retail staff safe while partnering w/ local law enforcement's investigative efforts has never been more important. That's why our mission of Solving for Safer here at Motorola Solutions has never been more urgent. From Body Worn Cameras like our V200 to Panic Buttons and Incident Mangement / Investigation / Crisis Management solutions like Noggin we are deeply committed to helping the retail industry provide safer workplaces for employees and shoppers. I am excited to get out of bed every day trying to solve challenges like this. See the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gvahT6rr #retail #organizedretailcrime #orc #shoplifting #incidentmanagement #employeesafety #workersafety #bodyworncameras #lossprevention Loss Prevention Research Council (LPRC) Clay Cassard James Boddam-Whetham Cynthia Wulff Jeremiah Nelson Joe Brady Jehan Wickramasuriya Britt Lincoln Charlie Forsyth Chris Firth ☁"Chip" G.K. Orton III, MBA, CPM, CEM, TEM

"Shoplifting has become a major problem in cities around the country, with some store owners announcing they had to close up shop because of the increased theft. Shoplifting and looting during the 2020 Black Lives Matter riots helped spur on a new era of increased shoplifting. Several major stores, including CVS, Macy’s, Target, Walmart and others have cited shoplifting when they closed down urban locations." This is our continuing future under Giggles, whether it be illegal border invading peeps, crime in general, attacks on our police without consequences (remember group of illegals that attacked and beat up NYC police in subway and were let go), homelessness, continued use of "we the citizens" taxpayer $ to fund invading illegals in lieu of our veterans, phony tax $ redistribution schemes, etc.; let alone inflation, tanking stock market, increasing taxes, lying, copycatting the Biden family crimes, trying to bury our potentially world dominate fossil fuel energy resources, wars everywhere, etc. Don't vote for radical America hating Dems like Giggles, the Squad, Schumer, Swalwell, Pelosi, etc. Vote for Trump and GOP on the under ticket to return to the glory days of 2016-2019 (pre COVID) and MAGA.

As organized retail crime continues to impact stores, customers, and employees at alarming rates, data-driven site selection has become more critical than ever. With California’s governor recently signing into law significant legislation to crack down on property and retail crime, and the National Retail Federation pushing for the passage of the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA), retailers are seeking ways to mitigate risks associated with new and existing store locations.