Retail's Most Wanted

In this episode of Retail's Most Wanted, Detective Roland Burk of the Orem Police Department reveals how a Monday morning email led to breaking a major ORC case spanning multiple states with over $100,000 in stolen merchandise. Why it matters This case demonstrates how information sharing between law enforcement agencies across state lines can successfully disrupt organized retail crime opera...

Why it matters: ILORCA (Illinois Organized Retail Crime Association) represents a novel partnership between retailers and law enforcement to combat rising retail theft in a state uniquely positioned as a logistics hub. By the numbers: Illinois state law sets felony theft at $300 Chicago has the third highest volume of cargo thefts in 2025 Nationwide cargo thefts have more than doubled to 338 repor...

The big picture Heritage Grocers Group operates 65+ stores across multiple banners in California, Texas, Nevada, Arizona, and Illinois, taking a localized approach to asset protection while leveraging technology and law enforcement partnerships. Why it matters Their multi-layered security strategy balances asset protection with customer experience, particularly in diverse communities with varying...

Why it matters: Melissa Wacha, leading asset protection at Meijer, shares insights on fighting retail crime through technology integration and law enforcement partnerships. Key takeaways: Technology integration is crucial: Meijer focuses on creating a "single pane of glass" system to streamline investigations and evidence gathering across multiple software platforms Multi-jurisdictional...

The big picture: Home Depot is taking an aggressive stance against retail crime while prioritizing customer and employee safety. Notable initiatives: Deploying off-duty police officers and patrol cars Installing new camera technology and license plate readers Building strong relationships with local, state, and federal law enforcement Key challenges: Rising frequency and aggression of retail crime...

Why it matters: Vancouver Police Department's innovative approaches to retail crime offer insights into successful public-private partnerships and emerging challenges in retail theft investigation. The big picture: Shifting terminology: Officials are moving away from "shoplifting" terminology as it understates the organized nature of retail crime Multi-agency cooperation: Success re...

The big picture: A detailed look into how law enforcement investigates organized retail crime, highlighting the complex web of technology, cross-jurisdictional collaboration, and investigative techniques needed to solve these cases. Investigation Challenges Pattern recognition: Investigators piece together criminal behaviors, including shopping patterns and preferred locations Multiple jurisdictio...

Key Takeaway The Michigan FORCE Team is making significant strides in combating retail crime through multi-jurisdictional operations. Why it matters The team's integrated approach, with embedded prosecutors and cross-state collaboration, is creating a replicable model for organized retail crime units. What's next The team identified three key needs to expand their impact: Additional pros...

The big picture: Axon has expanded beyond law enforcement body cameras into private sector applications, with significant success in retail and healthcare settings. By the numbers: 40%+ reduction in escalation incidents reported by customers using body cameras Multiple form factors and customization options available for different industries Key innovations: Sleeker, smaller design than law enforc...

The big picture: LiveView Technologies is hosting a town hall at the Delta Center focused on fighting organized retail crime through collaboration between retailers, law enforcement and security providers. Key details:  Event will feature attorney generals discussing state-level initiatives Panel discussion on organized crime's impact across the supply chain  Includes representatives from tra...

The big picture: Maricopa County is taking steps to combat organized retail crime (ORC) through stricter enforcement, retailer partnerships, and new legislation. Why it matters: These crimes aren't just about shoplifting - they're funding larger criminal enterprises including drug smuggling and human trafficking. Key strategies: Enhanced task force with lower thresholds for prosecution P...

The big picture: California's Proposition 36 marks a significant shift in addressing retail theft by strengthening penalties and closing loopholes that had enabled widespread shoplifting under Proposition 47. Why it matters: The measure aims to reverse the surge in organized retail crime that has plagued California businesses since Prop 47's passage, while balancing enforcement with trea...

The big picture: NRF leaders shared insights on their recent study on the impact of retail theft and violence this year, and how retailers can best engage with incoming legislators and administration officials. Why it matters: As retail crime increasingly crosses jurisdictions, retailers are seeking both technological and policy solutions to protect their businesses and employees. By the numbers:...

T he big picture: Organized retail crime has evolved into a sophisticated criminal enterprise that threatens not just retailers but entire communities. This year-end episode reveals the top 10 insights from 2024 that show how the problem - and solutions - are more complex than many realize. Why it matters: These lessons demonstrate that ORC isn't just about shoplifting - it's connected t...

On this episode of Retail's Most Wanted, John Matas, president of Blacklight Consulting and former head of investigations at Macy's, shares his expertise on the evolving landscape of organized retail crime (ORC). Key takeaways: Retailers face a "perfect storm" of challenges, including state-by-state decriminalization and rising theft thresholds Digital fraud has become just as...

The big picture The FBI views organized retail crime as part of broader organized crime efforts, and focuses on dismantling entire criminal organizations. By the numbers $112 billion in retail shrink reported in 2022 37% of that ($41.4 billion) is from outside theft 58% of outside theft ($24 billion) is cargo theft Key challenges Key challenges include international criminal groups engaging in &qu...

One big thing Ransomware remains the top cybersecurity threat for retailers, despite the hype around AI. Why it matters Cybersecurity attacks have real-world impacts on consumers, from hospital diversions to school closures, yet many struggle to prioritize protection. Go deeper CSOs across sectors face similar challenges, with threat actors constantly evolving tactics Quantifying cybersecurity ris...

Frank Patercity, Kroger's director of corporate security investigations, shares insights on the evolving landscape of organized retail crime (ORC). Why it matters: ORC is not just about property theft - it's linked to serious crimes like human trafficking and weapons offenses. Big picture: Retailers are joining forces with law enforcement and pushing for legislation to combat ORC effecti...

Suzie Squier, President of the Retail & Hospitality Information Sharing and Analysis Center (RH-ISAC), discusses the evolution of cybersecurity threats in retail and the importance of collaborative defense. Why it matters: As cyber threats evolve, retailers need to stay ahead. RH-ISAC facilitates crucial information sharing among its 270 member companies to combat emerging risks. By the number...

Why it matters Organized retail crime (ORC) has evolved beyond simple shoplifting into a sophisticated network of criminal activities that threatens the entire retail supply chain. The big picture Jonathan Gold, VP of supply chain and customs policy at the National Retail Federation, highlights the complexity and scale of ORC: ORC now encompasses cargo theft, gift card fraud, and other illegal act...

In this episode of Retail's Most Wanted, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes sheds light on the growing issue of organized retail crime and her team's efforts to combat it. With a background in law and public service, Attorney General Mayes brings valuable experience to addressing the complex challenges of retail theft and consumer protection in Arizona. The Organized Retail Theft Task F...

In the ongoing battle against organized retail crime (ORC), retailers and policymakers are continuously exploring innovative ways to curb criminal activity and protect businesses. One such initiative is the INFORM Act, a significant piece of legislation aimed at making it harder for criminals to profit from stolen goods through online marketplaces. In this episode of Retail's Most Wanted , le...

On the latest episode of Retail's Most Wanted , Mike Shore of Axon discusses the intersection of technology and security in combating organized retail crime. For security leaders and retailers looking to stay ahead of the curve, the message is clear: embrace technology, foster collaboration, and commit to creating safer, more transparent environments. Why it matters Originally known for its d...

On the latest episode of Retail’s Most Wanted, Ismael Moreno and Marc Tirheimer, key members of the California Robbery Investigators Association (CRIA) share insights on the evolution of fighting organized retail crime and the critical role of collaboration between public and private agencies. Adapting to changing crime trends Crime trends have shifted dramatically since the 1970s when bank and ar...

In this episode, Cory Lowe, director of research at the Loss Prevention Research Council (LPRC), delves into the complexities of organized retail crime (ORC) and provides valuable insights into the mindset and tactics of criminal groups. Understanding the diverse motivations and methods of ORC is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies. Offender profile variability The definition of...