Vera Institute of Justice’s Post

Why is theft acceptable? Target is loosing $500 million per year to theft. I would like to see neighborhood vigilante groups like Curtis Sliwa and his Guardian Angels set up in NYC for prior crime problems. Harlem is loosing a Target and we are all paying more. We need increased penalties and enforcement. “When the company reported fiscal second-quarter earnings in mid-May, CEO Brian Cornell said organized retail crime had shot up at its stores. He added shrink overall is expected to reduce Target’s full-year profitability by more than $500 million compared to the year-ago period. “   https://lnkd.in/gUPeFyY3

My colleagues Hanna Love Thea Sebastian demonstrate that the current retail theft crackdown is based neither on actual crime trends nor the evidence on what works to reduce theft.     Instead, the authors argue that local leaders should focus on proven policies, such as refocusing efforts to center consumer protection, fully supporting and training retail workers, and deploying proven, evidence-informed interventions to improve community safety. https://lnkd.in/drdNEz_G

State legislators across the country are introducing measures to increase penalties for organized retail thefts. "State legislators across the country are introducing measures to increase penalties for organized retail thefts, spurred by shocking videos of flash mobs that invade stores, overwhelm employees and security guards, and make off with pricey goods. At least six states — Oregon, New Mexico, Indiana, Minnesota, Virginia and Alabama — have approved measures this year to increase penalties for organized retail theft. Lawmakers in Ohio, Missouri, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Washington and Washington, D.C., are considering similar measures." https://lnkd.in/ddBYScdM

According to Loss Prevention Magazine, the cost of retail theft goes beyond the bottom line. It affects many aspects of the retail industry, most importantly, the front-line employees. Check out the article to learn more about the crisis that is retail theft and some strategies that retailers can employ to effectively combat the issue: https://lnkd.in/d_qaZT5P And if there is anything VPG can do to help, please let us know. #retailsecurity #organizedtheft #lossprevention #eliminatetheft #losspreventionmagazine #antitheftsolutions

Interested in public opinion on this article. It's interesting being a consumer these days..... Here is a seasonal topic- my household talks about the rise in theft we see in stores this time every year. I personally feel that retailers need to take responsibility for their theft issues. Why? Because when retailers have an "open theft policy" (Ie: they literally let people walk out the store with carts of stolen goods) the PAYING customers are the ones who endure the price increase to cover those loses. Some (common sense, possibly) ideas: Increased security Use actual cashiers vs machines for the main source of checking out goods Allow law enforcement to arrest thieves instore (stop trying to avoid bad press by allowing crooks go free)

This is disheartening. Target is closing stores because of the inability to manage theft and employee safety? I want to believe all people are good and would not steal. "The retailer said it has been unable to manage theft and organized retail crime at these locations, which threatens the safety of store employees and customers, and contributes “to unsustainable business performance.” The article goes on to say, "California Gov. Gavin Newsom committed $267 million to fight retail theft. The funding will support new police units and law enforcement task forces and the installation of advanced surveillance technology." Will it be enough?? https://lnkd.in/gCFPz7aW

Focusing on the little things that make big differences. Retail theft costs all of us money. Our new initiative aims to curb retail theft. https://lnkd.in/e7YstgDB

To catch retail thieves, this unlikely duo treats them like the mob; how a shoplifting crime wave is forcing the retreat of self-checkout; a suspected retail theft crew is busted after running from police in California; and more LP news you may have missed this week: #LP #lossprevention #assetprotection #retailnews #retailcrime #shoplifting #ORC

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A bill targeting retail theft passes the Florida House Committee, retailers battle an onslaught of fraudulent returns, why retail's $100B shrink crisis may not be all about shoplifting, and more LP news you may have missed this week: #LP #lossprevention #assetprotection #retailnews #retailcrime #shoplifting #ORC #retailreturns