Retail's Most Wanted

Episode 15 features a conversation with David Johnston, vice president of asset protection and retail operations for the National Retail Federation on the evolution of challenges in loss prevention over the past three decades. Johnston highlights the shift in theft landscape, particularly the rise of organized retail crime, which now includes not only shoplifting but also cargo theft, e-commerce fraud, and digital currency crimes.

Johnston emphasizes the wide-ranging impacts of retail theft on retailers, employees, consumers, communities, and ultimately the national economy. He discusses legislative efforts such as the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, aimed at addressing these challenges. Additionally, he touches on state-level legislative priorities and the upcoming NRF Protect event, which will focus on collaboration, best practices, and emerging threats in asset protection and risk management.

Retail's Most Wanted is presented by LVT and the Attorney General Alliance. 

District Attorney Jeff Reisig of Yolo County, California, is at the forefront of innovative criminal justice reform, focusing on redirecting individuals from the criminal justice system into community-based programs. During his tenure, he has spearheaded various projects, including the development of neighborhood and mental health courts, aimed at addressing the underlying factors contributing to organized retail crime (ORC), such as socioeconomic disparities and mental health issues.

A key aspect of DA Reisig's approach is building a diverse toolbox for addressing criminal behavior, which includes not only traditional punitive measures like prison or jail time but also mental health treatment, addiction intervention, and restorative justice. He is focused on the importance of accountability coupled with rehabilitation to reintegrate offenders into society as law-abiding citizens.

DA Reisig's office also prioritizes transparency and promotes public trust through initiatives like Commons, a criminal justice data transparency portal that makes criminal justice information accessible to the public.

Reisig has implemented a race-blind charging program, ensuring that prosecution decisions are made without consideration of race, to promote fairness and procedural justice. This approach, launched in partnership with Stanford University, has since become state law in California, contributing to increased public confidence in the justice system.

DA Reisig is mindful of the evolving nature of ORC, with syndicates now operating across multiple jurisdictions and states. He highlights the need for legal reforms to facilitate multi-jurisdictional prosecutions and address recidivism effectively.

Collaboration between law enforcement, retailers, and community organizations is vital to combating ORC effectively. DA Reisig’s Fastpass program facilitates direct communication between retailers and prosecutors to expedite case processing and improve outcomes.

Reisig's proactive approach to criminal justice reform and his efforts to combat organized retail crime underscore the importance of collaboration, innovation, and data transparency in addressing complex societal challenges.

Retail's Most Wanted is presented by LVT and the Attorney General Alliance. 

In episode 13, we talk with Jason Bier, president of Treuth, a public benefit corporation focused on building community safety through innovative software. The Treuth platform, initially aimed at combating organized retail crime (ORC), has evolved to address broader crime prevention and prosecution challenges.

Treuth facilitates collaboration and information sharing among law enforcement agencies, retailers, and other stakeholders to combat interrelated crimes such as ORC, auto theft, and human trafficking. The platform's ability to aggregate prior offenses, build cases, and influence policy decisions based on data-driven insights has a significant impact in enhancing investigations, prosecution efforts, and ultimately, community safety.

Retail's Most Wanted is presented by LVT and the Attorney General Alliance. 

The genesis of GROC

The Georgia Retailers Organized Crime Alliance (GROC) began in 2012 in response to the surge in smash-and-grab incidents plaguing Atlanta. The collaborative effort between retailers, legislators, and law enforcement agencies has evolved into a formidable alliance dedicated to bridging the gap between various stakeholders in the retail ecosystem. In today’s episode, Chad McManus, chair of GROC brings an expert business perspective to the fight against organized retail crime.

Trends and challenges in ORC

Discussing current trends in ORC, Chad highlighted the alarming rise in violence associated with retail theft, including armed robberies and smash-and-grabs. He underscored the growing involvement of transnational theft groups and street gangs in perpetrating organized retail crime, posing significant challenges to retailers and law enforcement alike. However, GROC continues to make significant strides in curbing criminal activities through strategic partnerships and proactive measures including intelligence sharing, blitz operations, and joint investigations.

Community outreach and education

Chad emphasized the importance of community outreach and education in ORC prevention. From hosting annual conferences to partnering with universities and local organizations, GROC actively engages in raising awareness about the far-reaching impacts of retail crime. By empowering retailers, law enforcement personnel, and students with knowledge and resources, GROC aims to build a resilient frontline against organized retail crime.

Retail's Most Wanted is presented by LVT and the Attorney General Alliance. 

Established over 70 years ago, the California District Attorney's Association (CDAA) represents 3,500 prosecutors statewide, including 56 elected district attorneys. Beyond professional training, the association serves as a vital advocacy platform, engaging with policymakers on issues crucial to law enforcement and crime victims. In episode 11, we speak with Greg Totten, CEO at the CDAA, about their work to revise Proposition 47 in pursuit of improved public safety.

Unintended consequences of Prop 47

Proposition 47, a 2014 initiative that reclassified certain property crimes and narcotics offenses as misdemeanors, has lead to unintended consequences. With a surge in retail theft, cargo theft, and drug-related incidents, California faces mounting challenges, including a drastic increase in homelessness rates.

The Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act

Recognizing the urgent need for reform, Totten and his coalition crafted the Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act. This proposed ballot measure aims to amend Proposition 47, restoring the ability to prosecute repeat offenders of retail theft as felons and addressing issues related to drug possession and trafficking.

A bipartisan endeavor

Totten emphasized the bipartisan nature of the coalition supporting the ballot measure. The amendment has broad-based support from law enforcement agencies, businesses, and community organizations, transcending partisan divides and uniting Californians in a common goal to enhance public safety and address societal challenges.

Forging a safer future

In the face of evolving crime trends and public safety concerns, the battle against organized retail crime demands a multifaceted approach rooted in collaboration, innovation, and determination. Through initiatives like the Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act, California strives to pave the way for a safer, more resilient future for all its citizens.

To learn more about the initiative and show your support, visit https://casafecommunities.com/

Retail's Most Wanted is presented by LVT and the Attorney General Alliance. 

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan illuminates the ongoing battle against organized retail crime (ORC) in Southern California, particularly in San Diego County. With over three million residents, San Diego County faces unique challenges in combating ORC syndicates, many of which originate from Los Angeles and other states. DA Stephan advocates for greater collaboration and legislative change.

A public safety threat

Stephan emphasized that ORC is not just an economic crime; it poses significant threats to public safety and community well-being. She highlighted the trauma experienced by employees and customers alike, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to address this issue.

The importance of collaboration

Collaboration emerges as a key theme in Stephan's strategy to combat ORC effectively. She described the collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and retail stakeholders, including store security personnel. Working together, they share information, track criminal syndicates, and prosecute offenders more effectively.

Legislative challenges

Stephan also highlighted the challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing ORC, including the anonymity of online marketplaces and the need for legislative changes to deter repeat offenders. She advocated for reforms to California laws, such as Proposition 47, which lowered penalties for theft-related offenses.

Despite these challenges, Stephan shared success stories from recent investigations, where her office successfully prosecuted organized crime syndicates responsible for significant losses to retailers. These cases underscore the importance of prioritizing ORC enforcement efforts and implementing strategies to prevent future incidents.

Retail's Most Wanted is presented by LVT and the Attorney General Alliance. 

Organized Retail Crime (ORC) poses a significant challenge to communities and businesses, not only in Georgia but across the nation. Episode 9 explores the gravity of the issue, its impact on the economy, and Georgia’s ongoing efforts to combat it.

State of organized retail crime in Georgia

ORC has had a staggering $3 billion impact on Georgia's economy. This impact extends beyond direct retailer losses to encompass lost jobs and missed tax revenues. ORC has emerged as a pressing concern for the state, prompting government officials to take proactive measures to mitigate its effects.

Building relationships and collaboration Law enforcement agencies in Georgia recognize the importance of collaboration with retailers and the community in combating ORC effectively. Establishing strong partnerships with business and fostering open communication channels are crucial steps in addressing the growing threat of ORC.

Role of the Attorney General's Office The Attorney General's Office plays a pivotal role in coordinating efforts to combat ORC across different jurisdictions in Georgia. By leveraging legal tools such as racketeering charges and cross-jurisdictional collaboration, law enforcement aims to disrupt and dismantle ORC networks operating within the state. Additionally, the absence of a minimum threshold for prosecution underscores Georgia’s commitment to enforcing laws and safeguarding communities from ORC-related crimes.

Harnessing technology for prevention and prosecution Technological advancements have revolutionized the fight against ORC, providing law enforcement with powerful tools for investigation and prosecution. Surveillance cameras, tracking devices, and facial recognition technology enable authorities to monitor criminal activities more effectively and gather crucial evidence for prosecution.

Despite the formidable challenges posed by ORC, Georgia stands poised to make a lasting impact.

Retail's Most Wanted is presented by LVT and the Attorney General Alliance. 

Far from being a stand alone offense, the intricate web of organized retail crime (ORC) is invariably connected to more sinister activities and has significant impact on businesses and communities. In this episode, Michigan Assistant Attorney General Eric Sterbis emphasizes the importance of collaboration and proactive measures in combating rising ORC. 

Retail's Most Wanted is presented by LVT and the Attorney General Alliance. 

In episode 7, we explore the complexities of organized retail crime (ORC) from an industry perspective with Paul Jaeckle, vice president for asset protection at Meijer. We delve into the evolving landscape of ORC and the strategies employed by retailers to address this growing issue.

Understanding Organized Retail Crime

Despite being a family-owned company with a 90-year legacy, Meijer faces substantial challenges in mitigating financial losses due to malicious activities. Approximately half of the company's losses stem from malicious intent. Of this, organized retail crime constitutes a substantial portion, reflecting a shift in criminal tactics compared to previous years.

Mitigation Strategies

To combat ORC effectively, Meijer employs various mitigation strategies, including education, product placement, quantity control, and the use of deterrent devices. These measures are essential for safeguarding valuable merchandise and minimizing losses within their stores.

Recognizing the multifaceted nature of ORC, Meijer actively collaborates with law enforcement agencies and governmental bodies, particularly the Michigan Attorney General's Office. Through data sharing and joint investigations, Meijer and state authorities work hand in hand to prosecute offenders and disrupt criminal enterprises.

Advocacy and Education

Advocacy and education are vital in addressing ORC at both the legislative and community levels. By advocating for stricter penalties and fostering public awareness, Meijer aims to deter potential offenders and garner support for comprehensive solutions to combat ORC.

Even given the challenges posed by ORC, there is optimism for the future. Increased awareness, coupled with community-driven initiatives, can lead to meaningful change in how ORC is perceived and addressed.

Retail's Most Wanted is presented by LVT and the Attorney General Alliance. 

In recent years, the United States has witnessed a concerning surge in organized retail crime, affecting both small businesses and large corporations alike. ORC impacts not only the economic stability of enterprises but has also led to profound consequences for communities across the nation. In this episode of Retail’s Most Wanted, Tom Wickham of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce shares firsthand accounts of business owners and discusses measures being taken by policymakers and organizations to address the growing problem.

Retail's Most Wanted is presented by LVT and the Attorney General Alliance.