New Jersey has enacted a new law to combat organized retail crime, with Gov. Phil Murphy and Attorney General Matthew Platkin leading the effort. The legislation, supported by the New Jersey Food Council, increases penalties for retail theft, creates new offenses for reselling stolen goods, and establishes a retail theft task force. By taking a strong stance, New Jersey aims to deter professional theft rings that have increasingly targeted the state due to similar laws in neighboring states.
Emily Stewart from Business Insider has uncovered a band of modern-day Robin Hoods who are pilfering from Jeff Bezos' companies, claiming it's a political statement against the billionaire's practices. These 'avengers' justify their actions by pointing to Bezos' wealth and influence, with some even likening themselves to Batman in their quest for justice. While they see it as a way to stick it to the man, Stewart argues that their antics might be more harmful than helpful, potentially leading to higher prices and more locked-up goods for everyone else.
A customer at a Tampa 7-Eleven was fatally shot by an employee after a heated argument turned deadly. Locals are shocked, with one resident saying it's the first crime of this nature they've seen in eight years. Meanwhile, a nearby business owner shrugged it off, saying nothing surprises him anymore in the area. The employee is cooperating with the investigation, and the police assure there's no threat to the public, but details remain scarce.
The retail industry is facing rapid technological shifts and geopolitical uncertainties, requiring businesses to adapt their inventory and pricing strategies. A new report, Reinventing Retail: Navigating Tariffs, Technology and Trends in Pricing and Allocation, explores key challenges such as supply chain disruptions, dynamic pricing, and inventory management. Sponsored by Oracle, the report highlights how retailers can leverage advanced forecasting and technology to navigate these complexities and remain competitive.
Retailers are facing rising litigation costs, with claims leading to lawsuits increasing by up to 40% over the past decade and major jury verdicts reaching record highs. Experts suggest that settling claims early—rather than risking costly litigation—can save significant money and reduce financial reserves set aside for legal disputes. Additionally, lawsuits over PFAS chemicals and shifting societal attitudes toward corporate accountability are further driving up legal risks for retailers.
Searching for a Video Surveillance System? Here are the Questions You Need to Ask
Angelo Tebano
Director, North American Channel Sales
March Networks
Choosing a video surveillance system today is more complex than ever. With the rise of AI-driven analytics, camera-to-cloud, and business intelligence tools, the right solution can do far more than just record footage. It can also enhance security, optimize operations, and reduce costs. But with so many options, how do you know what to look at for your financial institution, restaurant or retail
business?
When looking at video security systems, here are the key factors and questions you should consider when looking at your options, along with common pitfalls to avoid.
Total Cost of Ownership: Avoid Hidden Fees
Many security solutions come with unexpected costs; from licensing fees for third-party cameras to ongoing software subscriptions. These hidden expenses can drive up total costs and limit flexibility. When browsing surveillance cameras, look for options that will last as an initial investment without long-term maintenance costs.
Ask About:
Per-camera licensing fees: Some providers charge extra to integrate third-party cameras. Does your solution allow integration without additional costs?
Non-proprietary storage options: Avoid being locked into expensive, brand-specific storage options that limit your ability to expand.
Field & Remoteserviceable hardware: Can your system be repaired quickly on-site? Can some issues be solved remotely without a costly truck roll?
Scalability & Flexibility: Choose a System That Grows with You Into the Cloud
A rigid security system can become a bottleneck as your business expands. Many solutions require complex infrastructure upgrades to scale, which can lead to disruptions and additional costs. Investing in a flexible video security system that can grow with your business can help you expand your operations and migrate to the cloud at your own pace.
Ask About:
Support for hybrid cloud environments: Can you run elements of your video surveillance system on-premise and others in a private cloud or via a camera-to-cloud system to fit your needs?
Flexible access options: Can users securely access security footage from mobile devices, web browsers, and their desktop?
Enterprise-wide visibility: Can you monitor multiple locations from a single platform?
AI & Business Intelligence: Use Video for More Than Just Security
Your video surveillance system should provide more for your business than just security. It should deliver operational insights that improve customer service, safety, and efficiency. By integrating video with POS systems and tracking data like discounts, refunds, voids, queue lengths and inventory levels, you can easily optimize staffing, enhance customer experiences, and reduce losses for your business.
Ask About:
AI-powered search tools: Can the system quickly locate people, objects, or vehicles of interest?
Operational analytics: Does it track queue lengths, customer movement, speed of service, and liability issues?
Customizable reporting: Do you receive reports or insights tailored to what you and your business care about? What about mobile push notifications for critical events as they happen?
Cloud & Cybersecurity: Ensure a Secure, Future-Proof Solution
A security system is only as strong as its cybersecurity protections. Weak encryption or non-compliant storage can expose your business to hacking risks, liability, and legal issues. When looking at security options, invest in a solution that provides encryption and compliance with NDAA, and SOC 2 standards. Look for flexible solutions that have strong cybersecurity measures for on-premise, camera-to-cloud and hybrid setups, so that you can scale your business while maintaining the best security practices.
Ask About:
End-to-end encryption: Does the system protect sensitive footage in transit and at rest?
Secure cloud storage options: Is data stored in a way that meets the most up-to-date regulatory standards?
Regular security updates: Does the provider offer automatic cybersecurity updates?
Avoid Complicated Setups: Focus on Easy Integration
Your security solutions should enhance your business’ efficiency, not create operational headaches. Some systems require complicated integrations, outdated plugins, or dedicated IT teams just to function properly. When looking for solutions, look for built-in or easy integration features like video evidence sharing, AI-powered search, and cloud-based storage to make it easier to manage, review and share security footage efficiently, and to future-proof your business.
Ask About:
Intuitive user interface: Is the system user-friendly for all employees? Do they need to be on site to access video or can they login via a web browser or a mobile device?
Browser compatibility: Does it work on all modern web browsers, mobile, and desktop?
Easy case management: Can incidents be quickly reviewed and shared with relevant stakeholders when needed?
Smarter Security Starts with the Right System
In 2025, the right video security system is about more than just cameras. It’s about creating a scalable, AI-powered solution that enhances security, streamlines operations, and delivers meaningful business intelligence to help you make informed decisions.
As you evaluate your options, make sure to ask:
Are there hidden costs, like licensing fees or proprietary storage?
Does the system provide AI-powered analytics and insights to improve both security and operations?
What hybrid cloud and camera-to-cloud options are available?
Is it built with cybersecurity best practices to safeguard sensitive data?
Can it grow with your business and integrate with existing technology?
Wondering where to begin? Start here to discover the March Networks’ advantage. We help businesses answer these questions with confidence by providing flexible, AI-powered security solutions designed to enhance security, reduce costs, and deliver real business value.
Tell us by sending a named or anonymous note to comments@talklpnews.com. We'll publish your comments throughout the week.
Bill seeks felony charges for organized shoplifting in R.I.
Those accused of working together to steal from retailers in Rhode Island could face felony charges under legislation under consideration in the state Senate.
The bill sponsored by Sen. Leonidas Raptakis, a Coventry Democrat, would impose up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000 if two or more people are found guilty — the same punishment given to a repeat offender who has taken over $100 worth of merchandise. The bill would take effect upon its passage.
This is the second straight year Raptakis has filed a proposal to crack down on retail crime. Opponents argue it would disproportionately impact low-income youth. But Raptakis told the Senate Judiciary Committee that shoplifting will only continue to grow if it’s treated as a petty crime.
Amazon will step up efforts against potential theft by warehouse employees
Amazon is cracking down on warehouse theft — by its own employees.
The e-commerce giant is reimplementing measures it had in facilities before the pandemic, Bloomberg reports, including making workers exit warehouses through metal detectors and asking them to register their personal phones with the company so security doesn’t think they were pilfered.
“We’re always working to make our facilities more safe and secure for our employees and for companies of all sizes that put their trust in us to store their inventory,” Amazon spokesman Steve Kelly told Bloomberg. “As one part of that, we’ve made the decision to restore some practices that we had suspended to support social distancing during the pandemic.”
Embracing the future: Why retailers and employees are warming to AI
Artificial Intelligence has transformed from a promising frontier technology into an indispensable tool across various industries, particularly retail. In my experience, this shift is particularly palpable across the states where employers and employees alike are increasingly open to integrating AI into their daily workflows. Although we are seeing a positive shift in attitudes to, and adoption of AI, it still poses challenges.
The first would be the ability to overcome initial fears. Historically, AI adoption has been hampered by concerns over job security and privacy. Yet, throughout my years in software I've observed a significant change in how people view AI's role in the workplace. This shift is largely due to its proven potential to augment human skills rather than replace them.
Loss Prevention Strategies for Retailers – 3 Best Ways to Positively Impact Your Bottom Line
Implementing the right loss prevention strategy for your retail business is as crucial now than it was ever before.
For many retailers, both large and small, inventory shrink continues to affect their bottom line negatively. Equipping your business with the best plan, then, is vital.
In this article, we’ll cover some of the best ways to identify the right loss prevention strategies for your business.
Retail theft emphasis at Lynnwood Fred Meyer leads to 17 arrests, police say
LYNNWOOD, Wash. — A retail theft emphasis patrol at a Lynnwood grocery store led to over 10 arrests last weekend, according to local police.
Lynnwood police said 17 arrests were made Saturday after a recent retail theft patrol. Over half of those arrested were not residents of Lynnwood, officials said.
Man charged with shoplifting over $19K in Bath & Body Works merchandise in Nashville
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — An accused serial shoplifter is behind bars after reportedly stealing over $19,000 in merchandise from Bath & Body Works stores in Davidson County.
Elijah Mann, 20, faces various felony and misdemeanor charges spanning 21 counts in connection with the thefts.
‘Sim farms’, high heels, zombie knives: what scammers buy with the money they steal
On a shelf between Alexander McQueen shoes, Louis Vuitton handbags and Versace heels in the police evidence room are an 18-inch machete and a serrated zombie knife.
Alongside the expensive fashions bought with the proceeds of serious fraud are the tools needed to achieve it, says DCI Paul Curtis.
The Asset Protection Business Partner will support the field Operations team and SSC Asset Protection team with day-to-day responsibilities related to merchandise and payment shrink, fuel loss, theft and fraud investigations, critical incident response and physical security for the stores it supports (one Region of RaceTrac stores). Travel required up to 80%.
Walmart continues to push Chinese suppliers to cut prices, Bloomberg News reports
(Reuters) - U.S. retailing giant Walmart (WMT.N), opens new tab is continuing to push Chinese suppliers to cut prices to offset President Donald Trump's tariffs, Bloomberg News reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter.
Some Chinese manufacturers are finding it difficult to meet Walmart's demands to cut prices by as much as 10% for each round of Trump's tariffs, the report said.
Walmart did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment outside business hours.
Washington — With the spring tornado season ramping up, OSHA is calling on employers to develop an emergency plan, learn the warning signs, and monitor tornado watches and warnings.
“Tornadoes can occur with little or no warning,” the agency states on its Tornado Preparedness and Response webpage. “Taking precautions in advance of the storms … can help you stay safe if a tornado occurs in your area.”
In one section on preparedness, OSHA offers advice on planning, equipping, and training and exercises. An employer’s plan, the agency says, should include details on suitable places to take shelter, policies to ensure all workers are accounted for, and procedures for addressing any onsite hazardous materials.
.jpg?upscale=true&width=220&upscale=true&name=OE_TLP_VOP_120x450%20(1).jpg)
.jpg?upscale=true&width=1120&upscale=true&name=OE_TLP_VOP_560x150%20(1).jpg)
.png?upscale=true&width=240&upscale=true&name=TalkLP_CTEK_EAS%20Tags_(120%20x%20450%20px).png)
.png?upscale=true&width=1120&upscale=true&name=TalkLP_CTEK_EAS%20Tags_%20(560%20x%20150%20px).png)
