Over 50 juveniles trash convenience store, injure employee, steal items, police say

More than 50 minors stormed into a convenience store in Northeast D.C., smashing glass doors, assaulting employees, and stealing products in a disturbing display of juvenile crime. A terrified staff member was injured during the chaos while attempting to secure the store, according to police reports. The incident underscores growing concerns about youth-led violence and its impact on small businesses. 

ABC7 News

Stores looted during street takeovers in Compton, South LA

Organized street takeovers in Compton and South L.A. have escalated into widespread retail lootings, leaving businesses reeling from stolen merchandise and shattered storefronts. Shocking scenes of looting captured on video have amplified calls for stronger security measures and police response in these communities. Local retailers say they’re left scrambling to protect property and staff as these criminal stunts become more frequent.

MSN

Attorney General targets Amazon in new consumer fraud lawsuit

Arizona’s Attorney General, Kris Mayes, is suing Amazon over alleged consumer fraud tied to the company’s "Buy Box" algorithm and complicated cancellation process for Prime subscriptions. Mayes claims the algorithm unfairly favors Amazon’s own listings and misleads shoppers, while users face excessive hurdles when trying to unsubscribe from Prime. The suit seeks to hold Amazon accountable under state consumer fraud laws by spotlighting anti-competitive tech practices.

AZ Capitol Times

Workplace violence appears to be growing, prompting calls for prevention, report finds

A new report reveals a troubling rise in workplace violence, with 15% of workers admitting to being targets and nearly 30% witnessing incidents involving colleagues — both figures on the uptick from last year. Employee exposure to violence ranges from harassment to outright physical threats, prompting urgent calls for comprehensive prevention strategies. Experts argue that safety must be embraced as a systemic, cultural priority rather than an afterthought. 

HR Dive

Delivery drones may soon take off in the US. Here’s why

Drone delivery is set to expand rapidly across the U.S., boosting service availability for consumers in an expansion led by Amazon and Walmart. These advancements could mean faster, contactless deliveries without the infrastructure costs of traditional logistics. As pilot programs scale, the innovation promises to redefine the last-mile retail landscape — and raise new questions about safety, regulation, and public acceptance. 

AP News

Does LP Make Us Cynical? 

David George

Executive Editor | TalkLPnews

david@talklpnews.com

I’m rarely happy. If you don’t believe me, just ask my wife. I’m grumpy. I rarely smile. I find the worst in every person and the worst in every situation. If anyone tries to sell me something, I am constantly thinking of how they are trying to screw me over. “What’s the catch?” consumes my thoughts.

I have often believed throughout my Loss Prevention (LP) career that those in our profession with a similarly high level of cynicism were also the most successful. “Trust but verify,” has always been our mantra. No one ever came to meet with me and left fully trusted. They always had an angle – at least that’s what I thought.

But can you blame me? 

In my career I have investigated and prosecuted a few of my own LP employees for stealing. I have investigated C-suite executives for fraud. I have been betrayed many times by people who I once held in high esteem. I’m sure these experiences are familiar to many of you.

Fast forward a decade and not much has changed. Despite removing my VPLP hat a decade ago, I still question my lawn service company to ensure they perform every task I pay them for. But why am I like this? Did the LP profession make me this cynical about humanity, or was cynicism prewired into my DNA causing me to be so untrusting – leading to an incredibly fruitful LP career?

This old chicken & egg conundrum can’t seem to be solved.

I’m curious what you think:

Were LP professionals born with a certain level of cynicism that led them to build successful careers within LP, or did the LP profession expose us to so many dishonest employees and shoplifters that it caused the cynicism to seep in and remain?

As for me, I think I was born this way.

Now stop reading this and get back to work! (You’re stealing time from your employer.)

If you disagree or feel cynicism is caused by something else, feel free to Change My Mind.

Send all comments to: Comments@TalkLPnews.com. If your comment gets listed in the TalkLPnews Retail Rundown for the remainder of the week, it will be listed as “anonymous.”

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: Retail’s $76bn Upgrade

In retail, timing is everything. Technologies can simmer for years before suddenly reaching a tipping point that transforms entire industries.

AR mirrors in retail may be approaching just such a moment. After years of pilot programs, the technology has quietly evolved from a flashy gimmick to a serious business tool with measurable impact.

With a market projected to grow from $10.59 billion to $76.55 billion by 2032, the question isn’t whether AR mirrors will reshape retail – it’s how quickly that transformation will unfold.

XR Today

What drove Austin Target shooter to deadly rampage

A routine Sunday shopping trip turned into a nightmare when a gunman opened fire in an Austin Target parking lot, killing three people including a child and injuring another before embarking on a multi-vehicle theft spree that ended with his arrest 20 miles away.

The violence erupted outside the north Austin Target store as families prepared for the upcoming school year, shopping for supplies and essentials.

What began as an argument over a car theft quickly escalated into a deadly shooting rampage that shocked the community and left investigators searching for answers.

Rolling Out

Self-checkout wars escalate as Walmart, Kroger and Target are hit by new rules

Hate self-checkouts? Good news if you live in California, where lawmakers are voting on rules to rein in the machines.

Self-checkout lanes have become a familiar feature in stores like Walmart, Target, Safeway, and Kroger, promising faster checkout and fewer lines. 

Shoppers complain about glitches, confusing screens, and long waits when things go wrong.

Workers worry about job losses as more stores replace cashiers with machines.

Daily Mail

Understanding Automatic Operators and the “Knowing Act”

Automatic door operators play a vital role in providing accessible, convenient, and secure building entrances.

Whether you’re retrofitting an existing door or planning for a new installation, understanding the differences between operator types and the importance of the “Knowing Act” is essential for compliance and safety.

Types of Automatic Operators
Automatic operators generally fall into two categories:

1) Low-Energy Operators
Purpose: Ideal for mixed-use doors that some users open manually while others activate automatically.
Standard: Governed by ANSI 156.19, which limits the speed and force of operation to ensure safety.
Activation: Requires a Knowing Act, where users consciously trigger the door using push buttons, touchless switches, card readers, or similar devices.
Applications: Common in schools, libraries, hospitals, and entrances designed for ADA compliance.

2) Full-Energy Operators
Purpose: Designed for high-traffic areas where doors open and close quickly.
Standard: Governed by ANSI 156.10, which includes stricter safety measures like sensors and guard rails.
Activation: Triggered by motion sensors that detect movement near the door.
Applications: Grocery stores, retail outlets, and environments requiring rapid door movement.

Digital highway robbery: Cargo theft expected to hit record highs in 2025

Thieves are stealing cargo shipments with just a computer.

Organized crime rings are increasingly targeting cargo shipments in a sophisticated form of theft that consumers rarely see but ultimately pay for.

In a recent news release, the NICB said it has assisted in more than 240 cargo crime investigations, leading to over 70 recoveries valued at nearly $40 million.

ABC2 News

92% of retailers are actively investing in technologies to boost in-store operations

A research & advisory firm specializing in retail and technology, unveils a global survey report titled “Store of the Future: Unlocking Performance Through Innovation.”

The report provides data-backed insights into how retailers are modernizing in-store operations by focusing on unifying the shopper journey, enhancing the shopper experience, optimizing labor productivity, and maximizing store sales — the four pillars of building the “Store of the Future.”

Media Brief

Retail legal departments turning to AI amid increased demand and tight budgets

Retail companies’ legal departments are seeing increased demand for their services but little growth in resources, leading to a sharp jump in the use of artificial intelligence and other technology to manage the resulting pressure on costs.

That was one of the key messages as NRF and consulting firm Harbor presented the results of NRF’s second annual Legal Department Benchmarking Study during a webinar last month.

NRF

Corporations Want to Prevent Workers From Leaving Their Jobs

MSN

Former Torrance U.S. Postal Worker Pleads Guilty to 3-Year Looting Scheme on her Route

A woman who formerly worked as a letter carrier for the US Postal Service in Torrance pleaded guilty to stealing checks and debit and credit cards from the mail.

Mary Ann Magdamit, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and has been in federal custody since she was arrested by investigators, not long after she posted images of the stolen cash on Instagram while working at the Torrance Main Post Office.

Yahoo! News

The APEX agenda just dropped and it’s loaded with powerhouse sessions, game-changing discussions, and networking opportunities you won’t find anywhere else. From the latest retail innovations to strategies tackling today’s biggest challenges, this year’s lineup is built to deliver serious value.

Check it out and register now to secure your spot in Nashville.