Safeguarding Your Corporate Leaders Against Rising Security Threats: Guide on Executive Protection

As threats against corporate leaders rise, executive protection (EP) has become a business necessity—not just a luxury. Experts urge companies to build proactive EP programs that blend cybersecurity, threat intelligence, and crisis management to prevent danger before it strikes. In today’s volatile environment, protecting executives also means protecting the organization’s future from disruption, reputational damage, and legal risks.

JD Supra

The Top 10 OSHA Violations of 2024

OSHA has revealed its Top 10 most-cited workplace safety violations for 2024, with Fall Protection — General Requirements once again topping the list for the 14th straight year. While the same safety categories dominated, a few shuffled spots and an overall drop in citations show a slight shift in the compliance landscape. Experts presented the findings at the 2024 National Safety Council Congress, offering a reminder that workplace safety challenges remain stubbornly persistent despite small improvements.

EC & M

Are stores winning the war on shoplifting? Several factors are changing the narrative

After sounding alarm bells about a shoplifting epidemic last year, major retailers like Target are now quietly walking back their warnings as shrink rates stabilize and inventory controls improve. New security measures, better tracking, and legislative crackdowns have helped lower losses — but questions linger about whether the original crisis was exaggerated to mask other problems. While theft remains a concern, analysts suggest the true retail threat was never as explosive as it was made out to be.

NP Telegraph

Teen arrested for allegedly killing 2, injuring 1 in Arlington convenience store shooting, police say

A 17-year-old was arrested after allegedly opening fire during a fight at an Arlington QuikTrip, killing two young men and injuring a third late Saturday night. Police say Saman Islam faces charges of capital murder and aggravated assault after pulling a gun from a car and shooting during the brawl. Authorities are still investigating what sparked the violence, as the community reels from another tragic night of senseless loss.

CBS News

Loss prevention officer stabbed at Edmonton Walmart

A loss prevention officer in Edmonton was taken to hospital after she was stabbed at work on Monday. Police were called to the Walmart at 40 Street and 137 Avenue at 8:30 a.m. The victim suffered non-life threatening injuries. A 35-year-old man was arrested and Edmonton police say he will be charged with aggravated assault.

CTV News

TalkLPnews Attends RILA:

Monday Wrap up

Stop by the Gatekeeper Booth 503

Let’s skip the proverbial – “all retail gathered in Washington DC…” and get right to the meat of it!

Washington is the scene of the first retail conference of the year and the Gaylord National Harbor is hopping!

This Monday wrap-up hits the highlights in case you didn’t make it to our Nation’s capitol – although the value of networking and seeing familiar faces can’t be articulated, but we’ll try to capture it in pictures!

The opening keynote started with Lisa LaBruno, Executive Director, RILA Communities Foundation & Sr. EVP, Retail for RILA explaining the various progress on projects such as the Vibrant Communities Initiative, the Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance and her new role as Executive Director for the Communities Foundation. She turned over the reins of RILA Asset Protection responsibilities to Khris Hamlin, Vice President of Asset Protection for RILA.

The breakout and general session content was definitely a mixed bag of value – for those keeping score here’s the general breakdown of focus: safety sessions: 3, supply chain: 2, e-comm: 1, ORC: 1, gift card fraud: 2, Artificial Intelligence (AI) in retail (various topics): 4. AI was definitely the hottest topic in all aspects of the retail environment.

With some of the biggest names in retail, RILA treats the audience to a look behind the curtain at the Total Retail Loss (TRL) model within Walmart with an insightful session from Ashley Klorer, Senior Director, End2End, Asset Protection, Store Operation, Walmart,

Vicki Smith, Director, Supply Chain Integrity, Asset Protection, Walmart moderated by Khris Hamlin. These executives explained how this massive retail tackles the TRL model and provided the audience with some tips to tackle this holistic approach. Some key takeaways from the TRL session include:

• Reviewing multi-departmental processes regularly is key.
• If you don’t have the expertise in certain areas, create partnerships.
• For a TRL model, it often helps to educate store/operational teams about how exactly the distribution centers work/operate.
• To get over road blocks to implementing a TRL model, make sure you can identify what impacts each of the stakeholders in the conversation.
• Ask questions if you don’t understand processes
• Communicate constantly to ensure everyone stays motivated for success

Target, Dick’s Sporting Goods, GAP, and TJX Companies were fixtures on the breakout stages covering supply chain loss, risk mitigation, team collaboration, and AI innovation. For the specific titles and speakers check them out here.

The exhibit floor featured Auror as the title sponsor of this year’s conference as well as other innovative solution providers showcasing their latest products and services. For a complete list of those solution providers exhibiting click here.

Nightlife is always jumping and last night was no different with Auror, AXON and LVT hosting the bash of the conference at dueling pianos right down the street! The whole place was decked out in red, white, and blue – including Auror's leadership outfits! Hats, flags, neon necklaces and incredible musical talent was the theme and it seemed like the entire conference was there! Incredible hosting job to these fab folks: Auror, AXON and LVT!

Stay tuned tomorrow for the latest news from the Capitol of the World!

Amber hanging with John Clark after her podcast with CLEAR.  Great job, JC!

Zebra Booth 411- Sharyn Fortman, Zebra

InstaKey Booth 613- Cita Doyle, InstaKey

NJB Protection Booth - 806 with Ryan Mueller and Michael Maiolo

Sensormatic Booth 604- Amber and Kathryn Hillman, Sensormatic

Panoptyc Booth 224 - an innovative AI company!

Bash of the Conference by

Auror, AXON, and LVT! 

 Rhod Thomas with Auror making a fashion statement!

Protos Security Booth 600  - Kris Vece, Protos and Carmen DuBose, Hibbett Sports

ALTO Booth- 624 - with Rhett Asher, Jim Palmer, and Joe Metro

Flock Safety Booth 519 with Evan Flitz 

New TalkLP Podcast

Finally…what the hell to do with AI!

With Mike Matta and Cathy Langley of Solink

Mike Matta, CEO of Solink, and Cathy Langley, Senior Leader, Asset Protection with Solink have a candid discussion with TalkLP Host Amber Bradley about HOW and WHY to use artificial intelligence specifically for the loss prevention function!  Not only does Mike and Cathy set the stage for the evolution of technology TO artificial intelligence BUT they actually provide real examples of “old” problems that can be solved with AI while Asset Protection practitioners move on to more complex problems.  This duo also provides context for utilizing AI – when, where, how – while defining REAL questions to ask for ensuring you’re partnering with the right innovators without being obsolete by the end of rollout!! 

Check out this unbiased and problem-solving discussion with these technology AND retail experts!

Check out Solink’s offering and get in touch with Cathy Langley here.

70% Of Retail Workers Trust AI And Automation To Keep Them Safe

Seven out of ten (71%) frontline retail workers in the UK trust AI and automation to keep them safe at work, amid wider concerns about potential job losses, according to new research.

The findings were released for World Day for Safety and Health at Work on 28 April 2025. This year, the United Nations’ International Labour Organisation is putting the spotlight on AI and digitalisation in the workplace.

 Insight DIY

How AI could impact grocery pricing and private label

Technology is giving retailers new ways to tie their customer data with advanced predictive technology, said Wesley Bean, president and COO of Engage3.

When retail pricing technology specialist Engage3 brought Wesley Bean on as president and chief operating officer last month, it capped a multiyear quest by the company to convince the self-described “data geek” to bring his deep experience in the grocery space to a position leading an artificial intelligence firm.

Grocery Dive

Hot Topic: Lawsuits by retail trade groups would not stop tariffs, say 73%

 Retail Brew

10 Reasons Why You Need a Cloud Video Surveillance System for Your Business 

Operating a successful business often means dealing with unique problems throughout the day. It involves juggling the day-to-day responsibilities of your organization while continually finding ways to make processes more efficient in the long term. 

Implementing a cloud-managed video surveillance system offers improved operations by not only keeping your business secure but also giving you new insights into the efficiency of your workplace. In fact, utilizing an open platform cloud video system can be one of the best ways for your company to optimize efficiency while saving money in the long run. 

Continue reading to see some of the best ways cloud video surveillance can help you get the most out of your workplace operations. 

Three charged in suspected identity theft, retail crime scheme

California Attorney General Rob Bonta on Friday announced felony charges against three people accused of running an identity theft operation linked to an organized retail crime scheme across seven counties.

The suspects, Anthony Limas, Johnny Nicklas, and Steve Randy Nicklas, allegedly used stolen identities to open store credit cards and purchase more than $100,000 in merchandise. 

Pleasanton Weekly

Man arrested after fatal shooting, armed robbery attempt in Skyline

A suspect was arrested by San Diego police Sunday in connection to two consecutive shootings, one inside a home in the Skyline neighborhood and another at a nearby liquor store.

Officers were first alerted to the shootings around 8:24 a.m., when dispatchers received a report of a gunshot and an armed man walking in the area of 7900 Skyline Dr., according to SDPD.

FOX5 San Diego

Why 'wardrobing' retail fraud soars in the summer

A particular type of retail fraud soars during the summer season.

“Wardrobing,” in which a shopper buys an expensive item, wears it with the tags on, and then returns the product for a refund, picks up as shoppers bolster their closets for summer vacations, according to returns management software company Optoro.

MSN

Is Loitering Putting Your

Business at Risk?

Loitering may seem harmless at first, but it can damage your business’s reputation, disrupt operations, and even pose serious security risks. March Networks’ Lobby Loitering Protection analytic uses advanced AI to detect and deter loiterers automatically, keeping your public spaces safe and welcoming without constant manual monitoring. With nearly 100% accuracy and seamless integration into existing systems, this tool helps businesses stay ahead of threats and protect their customer experience.

License plate cameras help police arrest accused shoplifters

Two Madison women accused of multiple shoplifting incidents, were arrested after a police chase in Fond du Lac.

Around 2:35 p.m. Sunday, Fond du Lac police received a report of a vehicle connected to a retail theft in Winnebago County was identified by Flock license plate recognition cameras near the intersection of W. Johnson Street and N. Pioneer Road.

FOX 11

Retail theft suspects arrested at Orange Park Mall found with $16K worth of stolen sunglasses

Two men were arrested at Orange Park Mall for a series of robberies across Florida, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

FHP officials said they intercepted a vehicle linked to retail theft.

During the arrest, the suspects were found in possession of more than $16,000 worth of sunglasses, troopers said.

News4 Jax