Coming soon, Retail’s Most Wanted, examining the latest issues related to organized retail crime and how retailers and policy makers are fighting against today’s organized crime syndicates. Guests will include attorneys general from across the country plus retail crime prevention and security experts including some of the biggest players in the industry to give us an inside look at what they’re up against and how they are fighting back.

In the premiere episode of Retail’s Most Wanted, Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes talks about the growing issue of organized retail crime, his first-in-the-nation task force to combat it and how ORC funds broader criminal enterprises. Reyes is joined by retail security expert, Mike Combs, recently retired as head of asset protection at Home Depot, who explains how criminals running out of stores with bundles of merchandise aren’t always getting away with a crime. Marty Carpenter and Dave Studdert also look at some recent ORC headlines.

In this episode of Retail’s Most Wanted, we look at a framework used to understand and prevent retail crime. Our guest is Dr. Reid Hayes, who serves as director of the Loss Prevention Research Council. With over 30 years of experience in law enforcement, retail, and research, Dr. Hayes shares key strategies for reducing theft, fraud, and violence in the retail industry. LPRC Website

Episode 3 of Retail’s Most Wanted features Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares discussing the strides his administration has made in addressing organized retail crime, including creating legislation that classifies these offenses as a felony.

General Miyares provides insight into forming a collaborative working group of pertinent perspectives and explains why ORC can never be called a victimless crime.

Despite being a top destination for business, Georgia faces a $3 billion annual problem due to the rise of organized retail crime. Attorney General Carr advocates for a comprehensive approach, emphasizing the importance of public-private partnerships, effective training for law enforcement, and active involvement of the general public.

Highlighting the interconnected criminal elements associated with ORC, General Carr dispels the notion of victimless retail crime and stresses its ties to gang activity, human trafficking, and money laundering. He underscores Georgia's commitment to protecting citizens and their property by prosecuting illegal enterprise without a minimum threshold.

In Retail’s Most Wanted Episode 5, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul details the alarming threat of organized retail crime to communities, customers, and tax revenue. The podcast explores the brazen and violent nature of these crimes, prompting store closures, instilling fear, and driving a shift to online shopping. General Raoul's proactive measures, including the establishment of the Organized Retail Crime Task Force and legislative initiatives, showcase Illinois' comprehensive approach.

In recent years, the United States has witnessed a concerning surge in organized retail crime, affecting both small businesses and large corporations alike. ORC impacts not only the economic stability of enterprises but has also led to profound consequences for communities across the nation. In this episode of Retail’s Most Wanted, Tom Wickham of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce shares firsthand accounts of business owners and discusses measures being taken by policymakers and organizations to address the growing problem.

In episode 7, we explore the complexities of organized retail crime (ORC) from an industry perspective with Paul Jaeckle, vice president for asset protection at Meijer. We delve into the evolving landscape of ORC and the strategies employed by retailers to address this growing issue.

Far from being a stand alone offense, the intricate web of organized retail crime (ORC) is invariably connected to more sinister activities and has significant impact on businesses and communities. In this episode, Michigan Assistant Attorney General Eric Sterbis emphasizes the importance of collaboration and proactive measures in combating rising ORC.

Organized Retail Crime (ORC) poses a significant challenge to communities and businesses, not only in Georgia but across the nation. Episode 9 explores the gravity of the issue, its impact on the economy, and Georgia’s ongoing efforts to combat it.

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan illuminates the ongoing battle against organized retail crime (ORC) in Southern California, particularly in San Diego County. With over three million residents, San Diego County faces unique challenges in combating ORC syndicates, many of which originate from Los Angeles and other states. DA Stephan advocates for greater collaboration and legislative change.

Established over 70 years ago, the California District Attorney's Association (CDAA) represents 3,500 prosecutors statewide, including 56 elected district attorneys. Beyond professional training, the association serves as a vital advocacy platform, engaging with policymakers on issues crucial to law enforcement and crime victims. In episode 11, we speak with Greg Totten, CEO at the CDAA, about their work to revise Proposition 47 in pursuit of improved public safety.

The Georgia Retailers Organized Crime Alliance (GROC) began in 2012 in response to the surge in smash-and-grab incidents plaguing Atlanta. The collaborative effort between retailers, legislators, and law enforcement agencies has evolved into a formidable alliance dedicated to bridging the gap between various stakeholders in the retail ecosystem. In today’s episode, Chad McManus, chair of GROC brings an expert business perspective to the fight against organized retail crime.

In episode 13, we talk with Jason Bier, president of Treuth, a public benefit corporation focused on building community safety through innovative software. The Treuth platform, initially aimed at combating organized retail crime (ORC), has evolved to address broader crime prevention and prosecution challenges.

District Attorney Jeff Reisig of Yolo County, California, is at the forefront of innovative criminal justice reform, focusing on redirecting individuals from the criminal justice system into community-based programs. During his tenure, he has spearheaded various projects, including the development of neighborhood and mental health courts, aimed at addressing the underlying factors contributing to organized retail crime (ORC), such as socioeconomic disparities and mental health issues.

Episode 15 features a conversation with David Johnston, vice president of asset protection and retail operations for the National Retail Federation on the evolution of challenges in loss prevention over the past three decades. Johnston highlights the shift in theft landscape, particularly the rise of organized retail crime, which now includes not only shoplifting but also cargo theft, e-commerce fraud, and digital currency crimes.

Supervising Special Agent James Russell of Utah’s CASE Strike Force discusses the significant progress of the four-year-old coalition of major retailers and law enforcement established to address the rising tide of organized retail crime (ORC) in the state.

Dave Davis, president of the Utah Retail Merchants Association, discusses how ORC drives up consumer costs, and the innovative ways Utah is combating this problem. We also talk about the use of technology in preventing theft and the importance of raising public awareness about ORC's real costs.

David Iorillo, a founder of the San Diego Organized Retail Crime Alliance, shares insights on how the alliance’s long-standing public/private collaboration has been pivotal in combating organized retail crime (ORC) in San Diego and beyond.

NRF Protect focused on three key themes: Prevent, Protect, and Prevail. These themes encapsulate the conference's mission to address today's threats while anticipating future challenges. David Johnston, VP of asset protection and retail operations at the National Retail Federation, highlighted that organized retail crime is multifaceted, impacting various functions from cybersecurity to loss prevention. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the conference fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing to strengthen defenses against these crimes.

Phil Brock, mayor of Santa Monica, discusses the state of retail crime in the city, where stores report frequent daily incidents of theft by individuals, often from the unhoused population, creating an unsustainable business environment.

In this episode, we had the privilege of hosting two industry titans, Mike Lamb and Tom Arigi, who collectively boast over 84 years of experience in the retail sector. They offered invaluable insights into organized retail crime (ORC) and leadership.

As a leading retail crime intelligence platform, Auror is revolutionizing how retailers combat organized retail crime (ORC). Auror helps retailers report, solve, and prevent crime, reducing violence and loss in communities. Auror Vice President of Retail Partnerships, Bobby Haskins, envisions a future where the industry collaborates more efficiently, leveraging cutting-edge technology to stay ahead of ORC, ultimately ensuring safer and more profitable retail environments.

In this episode, Dan Merkle, chairman and CEO of FaceFirst, discusses the evolution of facial recognition technology and its application in the retail industry, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between the technology and its use cases.

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.

On the latest episode of Retail’s Most Wanted, Ismael Moreno and Marc Tirheimer from the California Robbery Investigators Association (CRIA) delve into the evolving battle against organized retail crime. From shifting crime trends to the power of public-private collaboration, they share how networking and ongoing education are keeping investigators one step ahead.

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.

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, legal expert Paul Singer discusses the role of the INFORM Act and how it is shaping the fight against ORC.

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.

Jonathan Gold, VP of supply chain and customs policy at the National Retail Federation, highlights the complexity and scale of ORC in this episode. ORC now encompasses cargo theft, gift card fraud, and other illegal activities to obtain goods for profit. Criminal networks have developed their own sophisticated supply chains for stealing and distributing goods. Impact extends beyond retailers to employees, consumers, communities, and the national economy and will require cooperation from retailers, law enforcement, and policymakers to combat effectively.

As cyber threats evolve, retailers need to stay ahead. RH-ISAC facilitates crucial information sharing among its 270 member companies to combat emerging risks. 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.

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

In this episode of Retail's Most Wanted, we dive deep into the world of cybersecurity challenges facing the retail industry. Sam Sabin at Axios sheds light on why, amidst the AI buzz, cybersecurity experts are taking a measured approach - focusing on proven threats like ransomware while carefully exploring AI's potential benefits in the fight against retail crime.

Episode 33 dives deep into the FBI's approach to combating organized retail crime with a member of their Major Thefts team. The conversation reveals the scale of the problem, with $112 billion in retail shrink reported in 2022, of which a significant portion is attributed to cargo theft. The FBI views these crimes as part of broader organized crime efforts and employs strategies such as building partnerships with local law enforcement and retailers, and focusing on dismantling entire criminal networks.