New collaboration of crime fighters working with new law to put smackdown on shoplifter

Faced with a surge of organized retail theft, Memphis businesses and law enforcement are striking back with tougher laws, high-tech surveillance, and aggressive prosecution. Initiatives like Operation Broken Bottles and the new Tennessee Organized Retail Crime Alliance have already led to over 150 arrests and felony charges for repeat offenders. With expanded penalties set to take effect July 1 and over 10,000 business cameras now feeding into the city’s Real Time Crime Center, Memphis is sending a clear message: smash-and-grab crime won’t go unchecked.

Action News 5

Rite Aid files for second bankruptcy in two years

Rite Aid has filed for bankruptcy for the second time in under two years, as mounting debt, fierce competition, and declining margins continue to cripple the once-dominant pharmacy chain. Despite shedding $2 billion in debt during its 2023 bankruptcy and closing hundreds of stores, the company still carries $2.5 billion in liabilities and plans to sell off its remaining assets. As pharmacy chains like Rite Aid, CVS, and Walgreens struggle to adapt, widespread closures are fueling concerns over growing “pharmacy deserts” and access to essential medications across the U.S.

Reuters

VF lays off about 400 employees

VF Corp., the parent company of Vans, The North Face, and Timberland, has laid off approximately 400 employees worldwide as part of its ongoing turnaround strategy, Project Reinvent. The cuts—spanning various brands and regions—follow earlier layoffs and are aimed at streamlining operations and boosting performance, particularly in North America. While difficult, VF says these restructuring efforts are designed to lay a stronger foundation for future growth as it prepares to report earnings on May 21

Retail Dive

The Return Revolution: How Walmart and Amazon are Rewriting the Return Rulebook

Walmart and Amazon are increasingly offering "returnless refunds," allowing some customers to receive a refund without sending the product back—a quiet shift aimed at cutting costly return logistics. While this policy boosts convenience and customer retention, it’s not widely advertised due to concerns over growing return fraud, which reportedly surged 144% at Amazon between 2023 and 2024. As more retailers like Target, Shein, and Temu follow suit, experts warn that the strategy could backfire if abused by dishonest shoppers.

Daily Dot

Recognizing and Responding to Gift Card Fraud in Retail

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is calling on retailers to report suspicious gift card activity tied to organized Chinese crime groups, who steal, tamper with, and repackage unactivated cards before returning them to store shelves. Once a customer loads funds onto a compromised card, the criminals quickly drain the balance and funnel the profits overseas. Through Project Red Hook, HSI urges collaboration with law enforcement and retailers to disrupt these evolving fraud tactics and dismantle the networks behind them.

ICE.gov

GROC Touts ORC Indictments

Major Win Against Organized Retail Crime in Georgia!

A big shoutout to State of Georgia Office of the Attorney General Chris Carr, Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit, Cherokee County D.A. Susan K. Treadaway, and the dedicated team at State of Georgia Office of the Attorney General Organized Retail Crime Unit!

This indictment of six individuals involved in a multi-state retail theft ring marks a significant victory in the ongoing battle against ORC.

The collaboration between the AG’s office, local law enforcement, and retail partners exemplify the power of united efforts in combating organized retail crime. Their commitment not only safeguards our businesses but also protects consumers and upholds the integrity of our communities.

As Georgia continues to lead in proactive measures against ORC, this case serves as a testament to what we can achieve through vigilance, partnership, and unwavering dedication.

Want to be part of the solution? Join Georgia Retailers Organized Crime Alliance (GROC). Visit us at www.georgiaroc.org to become a member. Together, we can make a difference.

Read about the case here.

Florida man sentenced to federal prison for alleged $1.1m retail fraud scheme

A Florida man who masterminded a $1.1 million multi-state retail fraud scheme has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison. Daniel Cavey, 51, and his co-conspirators created fake IDs to exploit corporate accounts at home improvement stores, charging purchases and reselling the goods for profit.

Alongside his 108-month sentence, Cavey was ordered to pay over $1.1 million in restitution, marking the culmination of a Secret Service-led investigation into one of Charleston’s most elaborate financial crimes.

ABC4 News

Sheriff’s Dept. Takes Down Home Depot Theft Ring

The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Department has dismantled a prolific organized retail theft ring tied to nearly 200 Home Depot heists across the Bay Area—and more than $92,000 in stolen merchandise.

Four suspects were arrested Tuesday following coordinated raids in Richmond, San Leandro, and South San Francisco.

The theft crew crisscrossed California, stealing power tools, pliers, blades and saws from The Home Depot stores as far north as Sacramento and as far south as Santa Cruz.

Silicon Valley Daily

Romanian quick-change crook busted in Stuart after Ulta, Best Buy attempts

 CBS 12 News

Isolated Events to Actionable Insights: Maximizing the Full Potential of the Purchek® Solution

Gatekeeper Systems' Purchek® solution goes beyond stopping theft—it unlocks data that strengthens entire retail operations. By combining real-time video capture, managed investigations, and integrations with technologies like FaceFirst, retailers gain deeper insights into offender patterns and operational vulnerabilities. Purchek® helps transform loss prevention from a reactive function into a proactive strategy, reducing shrink and boosting safety, while continuously adapting to new retail challenges through an evolving service model.

Retail’s Monthly Tech Flex: Cooler, Faster, Smarter Stores

This past month, major retailers ramped up their use of advanced technology to improve customer experience, streamline operations, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Innovations spanned virtual and augmented reality, artificial intelligence, robotic automation, and cloud-based infrastructure.

Chain Store Age

Why Some Businesses are Scrambling to Sell Their Inventory Now

Despite warnings that severe supply chain disruptions from President Donald Trump’s tariff policies may deplete current inventories by June, many retailers don’t seem worried about running out of supplies.

In fact, some are encouraging customers to take advantage of discounts designed sell as much merchandise as possible now. 

Inc.

Retail job cuts up nearly 80% in April

Several factors contributed to the uncertainty surrounding job security, including government-induced layoffs and widespread changes in tariff policies that have affected various industries, including retail.

“Though the Government cuts are front and center, we saw job cuts across sectors last month,” Andrew Challenger, senior vice president for Challenger, Gray & Christmas, said in a statement. “Generally, companies are citing the economy and new technology.

Retail Dive

Vice President, Asset Protection Strategy, Analytics and Operations - Burlington Stores

Reporting to the SVP, Asset Protection the VP, AP Strategy, Analytics and Operations is a key member of the AP organization in supporting Burlington’s strategic priorities to reduce shortage and improve profitability. This role will lead a team that fosters a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, innovation, and productivity. This role will create a culture and an organization that partners closely with key business partners to ensure delivery of a “best-in-class” program to reduce shortage, drive sales, and provide a safe, secure customer and associate experience. The VP, AP Strategy, Analytics and Operations must be business-focused and a valuable partner to other departments and the leadership team.

Man charged with burglary after theft of Walmart master keys 

Cap City

Gun violence, retail thefts in the spotlight in Philly District Attorney race

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner is facing a primary challenger in former Judge Patrick Dugan while running for his third term.

Can a tough-on-crime judge unseat Philadelphia’s most controversial prosecutor? Inside the battle over gun violence, retail theft, and the city’s future.

NBC10 political reporter Lauren Mayk spoke with Krasner and Dugan about gun violence and retail theft.

NBC 10