Retail theft, including shoplifting and organized retail crime, has increased globally, prompting countries to invest in advanced security technologies like AI surveillance, RFID tracking, and facial recognition. Nations such as the U.S., U.K., and Japan lead in anti-theft innovations, while high-theft regions like Brazil and South Africa struggle with retail shrinkage. Over the past decade, theft tactics have evolved, leading to rising organized crime, more aggressive shoplifters, and a push for stronger loss prevention strategies.
In Tampa, a 7-Eleven worker shot and killed a customer during a heated dispute, proving that sometimes convenience stores are anything but convenient. The incident happened on Nebraska Ave, and while the employee is cooperating with the police, the details of the argument and whether charges will be filed remain a mystery.
Retail ID fraud has surged by 22.7% since December 2024, posing significant financial and reputational risks to retailers through return fraud and the sale of age-restricted products to minors. Common fraud tactics include fake and synthetic IDs, return fraud schemes like receipt fraud and wardrobing, and AI-generated fake identities. Retailers can combat these threats by implementing robust identity verification systems, as seen in Rouses Supermarkets, which reduced returns by 36% through ID verification, highlighting the importance of proactive fraud prevention measures.
Sam’s Club, a Walmart-owned warehouse chain, is investigating claims of a ransomware breach by the Clop cybercrime gang, though no proof has been published yet. The alleged breach follows Clop's recent data theft attacks exploiting a Cleo software vulnerability affecting multiple organizations. This isn’t the first security issue for Sam’s Club, as it previously dealt with credential-stuffing attacks in 2020.
Retailers have seen a 93% increase in shoplifting incidents since 2019, prompting many to implement enhanced security measures like access control, employee training, and advanced surveillance. Beverage store owners emphasize the importance of well-trained staff in deterring theft, complemented by security cameras, access control systems, and locked cases for high-value items. Additional protective measures, such as business liability insurance and documented security plans, help retailers mitigate losses and maintain a safe environment.
A recent online claim suggested that Sean "Diddy" Combs had escaped from the jail where he has been held since his arrest on September 16 and subsequent federal indictment. The claim initially appeared on the YouTube channel Uncover Discovery on October 10, 2024.
The video was titled, “3 MINUTES AGO: FBI Confirms Diddy ESCAPED From Prison!” and quickly gained traction, accumulating over 610,000 views within five days, along with more than 6,800 likes and 562 comments at the time of writing.
However, this claim has been proven false. The video does not provide any evidence that Diddy escaped from jail, and there has been no confirmation from the federal government. Additionally, the Uncover Discovery page includes a disclaimer in its bio stating, “We do not claim any information to be factual or verified, and the content should not be taken as professional advice.”
Last week, a 40-minute video surfaced on social media, starting on YouTube, claiming that Sean Combs had escaped the federal prison where he is being held while awaiting trial.
The video featured a headline reading, “Breaking News: Diddy Escapes Prison!” and included two photos—one showing a federal agent and the other showing what appeared to be prison surveillance footage. Dated October 9 at 20:40, the footage allegedly depicted an unidentified man running, with an image of Diddy superimposed on top.
Tony’s Fresh Market workers reject union membership
Workers at Tony’s Fresh Market stores in the Chicago area were without union representation on Monday, after more than 1,000 of them voted against joining the union.
The final results were released on Friday after employees at 21 locations took a stand for or against joining United Food and Commercial Workers Local 881, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Votes were cast over a three-day period last week as groups of workers held rallies outside Tony’s Fresh Market locations. Those in favor of the union sought wage increases, improvements to benefits, safer working conditions, and other changes.
FORT MILL, .S.C. — A large group of teens was caught on video looting a Fort Mill 7-Eleven at 2 a.m. Sunday, following a ‘street takeover’ involving hundreds of cars.
Sheriff’s Office reports that the incident began with a street takeover a few miles away, where a large crowd gathered at the intersection of Springfield Parkway and Steele Street.
“For high schoolers you hate to see it, don’t want to talk bad about the parents, but obviously something’s not right there,” said Alex Bumpus, a neighbor who was shocked by the incident.
Police Warn of New Gift Card Scam at Popular Massachusetts Discount Retailer
One eastern
Massachusetts Sheriff's
Department is warning
people about the latest
scam targeting local
residents.
Massachusetts is full of a lot of really good people, unfortunately, there are still some bad ones out there as well. In an age where people have access to others in so many ways, coupled with ever-growing technology, scams are on the rise.
According to CNBC, there has been a 61% increase in attacks and scams in the past year...
Stopping Violence Against Retail Employees: Something We Can All Agree On
ORC and shoplifting are no longer isolated problems—they are organized, costly, and increasingly violent. While experts debate the true financial toll, one fact remains clear: retail employees are at risk. Confrontations with offenders have become more frequent and dangerous. This white paper urges retailers to go beyond loss prevention, prioritizing employee well-being as part of a responsible and sustainable retail strategy.
"It Sucks, And I Hate It": This New Technology In Grocery Stores Has Both Shoppers And Employees Feeling Extremely Frustrated
In 1986, a company named CheckRobot invented self-checkouts. They claimed to reduce long lines, human interaction, make checkout lanes faster, and reduce labor costs. These self-checkouts reduced cashier costs by 60%, and grocery stores saved a lot of money.
But in 1987, Donald F. Dufek, then the group vice president for The Kroger Co., told The Oklahoman: “In reality, it takes the consumer longer to do her own checkout, but the individual perceives it is faster, because she’s doing it herself.”
Retail theft operation in Roswell criminally charges 65
ROSWELL, N.M. A joint operation between the city's police department, New Mexico State Police and four chain stores resulted in 65 people getting criminally charged, a Roswell Police Department news release said.
The operation, with the cooperation of local Walmart, Target, Home Depot and Marshalls, took place on nine randomly picked days from November 2024 through March of this year. It resulted in 13 arrests and 52 criminal citations on charges including shoplifting, criminal trespassing, narcotic possession, and possession of illegal firearms.
Kentucky passes HB 398, shifts to federal OSHA standards
On March 27, 2025, the Kentucky General Assembly enacted House Bill 398 (HB 398), which will significantly impact the regulation of workplace safety and health in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. HB 398 aligns Kentucky safety regulations with federal workplace safety standards, which many believe are less protective than the set of state-industry-specific regulations currently in place in the state.
Three days earlier, on March 24, 2025, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshar vetoed HB 398 citing concerns over the bill’s impact on worker safety.
Amazon is seeking a Principal Workplace Threat Manager (Principal Security Industry Specialist) to join our Global Security Risk & Resilience, People Risk team. This strategic individual contributor role focuses on leading complex global threat management initiatives, developing innovative risk frameworks, and driving program excellence across our worldwide operations. The Principal Workplace Threat Manager will design and implement strategic threat assessment methodologies, lead high-impact global programs, and provide thought leadership that shapes how we protect Amazon's workforce globally.
The successful candidate is a recognized expert in threat management who combines deep technical expertise with strategic program leadership capabilities. They must demonstrate exceptional influence skills, ability to drive global initiatives, and a proven track record of developing innovative solutions to complex security challenges at scale.
Polk County principal accused of ‘skip scanning’ at Walmart self-checkout
POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — A Polk County principal is accused of “skip scanning” at a Walmart self-checkout.
According to the interim superintendent Alricky Smith, Gregory Lewis, the principal at Bok Academy North, is on administrative leave while Lake Wales Charter Schools review the situation.
“At this time, I am unable to provide any comments on the next steps, as this matter is ongoing,” wrote Smith in a letter to trustees.
The Winter Haven Police Department said officers were called to the Walmart at 7450 Cypress Gardens Boulevard in Winter Haven around 1:30 p.m. Saturday for retail theft.
An asset protection officer told Winter Haven officers that Lewis was “skip scanning” at the self-checkout. The AP officer said Lewis was seen placing a bag of disposable foam plates between items of higher value.
A suspected shoplifter is behind bars after reportedly leading St. Clair County Sheriff’s deputies on a high-speed chase. Authorities say, 49-year-old Ontario McDowell of Harper Woods was confronted Saturday while attempting to steal from the Menards store in Port Huron Township. He took off on foot but later returned for his vehicle and was spotted by deputies – initiating the chase that eventually headed westbound on Lapeer Avenue. The pursuit was soon called off due to hazardous speeds.
McDowell eventually crashed his vehicle at the Allen Road Roundabout and once again fled on foot, before being tracked down with the help of the Port Huron Police K9 unit. He was treated at a local hospital for minor injuries and then transported to the St. Clair County Jail where he was arraigned yesterday on five felony charges relating to organized retail crime, fleeing and eluding, and resisting arrest. He is also facing a felony for drug possession and a misdemeanor for reckless driving. Bond is set at fifteen thousand dollars.
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