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.

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.

Frank Patercity, Kroger's director of corporate security investigations, shares insights on the evolving landscape of organized retail crime (ORC).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.