Shoplifting suspect shot by police, killed after running from Chamblee Walmart
Police and investigators responded to a serious incident at a Walmart in Chamblee, Georgia, after officers were called for a shoplifting report that escalated into a deadly confrontation. Authorities say the suspect, who was allegedly shoplifting, fled into a nearby parking area and was found to be armed during a struggle with responding officers. The suspect was shot and killed by police, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation was called in to lead the investigation into the officer-involved shooting. Nearby residents and motorists witnessed a large police presence as traffic and operations in the area were disrupted during the ongoing investigation.
Video shows store smash-and-grab armed robbery
Police in Manhattan are searching for four suspects accused of raiding a Pokémon trading card store in the Meatpacking District, using hammers to smash display cases and make off with valuable merchandise. Surveillance video from the evening robbery shows the suspects forcibly breaking in and threatening a 27-year-old man before seizing items from the store’s inventory. The incident occurred around 7 p.m. and has raised concerns about the targeting of collectible goods with high resale value in organized thefts. Store managers say the event may lead to increased security measures to protect both customers and inventory.
Walmart ramps up focus on AI and drones: this week's biggest retail technology stories
Walmart is stepping up its investments in technology, including artificial intelligence partnerships and drone delivery services, as part of its broader retail tech strategy for 2026. The retailer has teamed with Google and its Gemini AI platform to integrate shopping experiences that allow customers to browse and purchase products through conversational AI tools. Meanwhile, Walmart’s expansion of drone deliveries with partner Wing aims to bring rapid delivery services to millions of customers nationwide. These technology moves signal Walmart’s push to stay competitive in the evolving retail landscape by blending digital innovation with customer convenience.
Teen charged with assault after allegedly crashing car into retail store
An 18-year-old in Gaston County, North Carolina, faces assault charges after allegedly driving a vehicle into a store at the Eastridge Mall during an afternoon incident. Police said the crash occurred after an altercation, and although the car struck the building, no injuries were immediately reported. The driver was taken into custody and booked on charges related to the incident as authorities continue to investigate motivations and circumstances. The unusual nature of the crash highlights the increasing intersections of violent and erratic behavior with retail environments.
$1.3 million settlement reached in deadly Raleigh store stabbing lawsuit, attorney says
A $1.3 million settlement was awarded to the family of a man who was fatally stabbed in a convenience store in downtown Raleigh during an incident in April 2023. Attorneys representing the family said the settlement brings closure to a wrongful death lawsuit that alleged negligence and harmful conduct by the store’s owner. The stabbing victim’s family argued that the tragic death was preventable, and the civil resolution reflects both financial compensation and a legal acknowledgment of responsibility. The store owner, previously convicted of manslaughter in connection with the criminal case, remains in prison as the settlement concludes the civil proceedings.
The Manta Ray's Secret: Why Smart Leaders Build Their Cleaning Stations Before They Need Them
Amber Bradley
Editor-in-Chief | TalkLPnews
[email protected]
One of my favorite things to do in life is snorkel. And while I need to be a little bit tipsy before I dive in so the JAWS theme playing in my head doesn’t ruin my swim, I always notice how life down there seems be interacting within their own little communities and teams. I’m often fascinated by the incredibly complex interconnectedness of the ocean. One example I recently read about are the manta rays. When a manta ray gets injured—maybe a shark takes a chunk out of its wing or it picks up parasites—it doesn't just tough it out alone. It swims to what marine biologists call a "cleaning station," where smaller fish essentially become its medical team, nibbling away dead tissue and helping it heal so it can get back out there and thrive.
Stay with me here, because this is exactly what loss prevention leaders need to understand as we head into 2026.
We're staring down a packed year (as always). Social unrest, economic pressure and uncertainty, ever-evolving tech, and smaller budgets just to name a few. And the rules feel like they're changing faster than we can keep up. And if you think you're going to navigate all of that without taking some hits, you might still be in the holiday fog. The question isn't whether you'll get wounded this year.
The question is: have you built your cleaning station?
I'm talking about the team around you—your direct reports, your cross-functional partners, the people who will help you recover when things go sideways. Because they will go sideways. You'll make a hire that doesn't work out. You'll roll out a program that falls flat. Or something completely outside your control will happen: a violent incident, a budget cut, an ORC strategy that just didn’t work and you'll need people who can help you process the damage and figure out what's next.
Here's what I've learned and heard from the LP veterans: the time to build that team is not when you're bleeding. It's now. Before the crisis. Before the mistake. Before the thing you didn't see coming takes a bite out of your plans.
The best leaders I know treat their teams like their cleaning station. They're intentional about surrounding themselves with people who bring different perspectives, who aren't afraid to challenge their thinking, who will tell them the truth even when it's uncomfortable. They create environments where their people feel safe speaking up, pushing back, and being honest about what's working and what isn't.
But here's the catch: you can't just show up at the cleaning station when you need it. Those relationships have to exist before the injury. The trust has to be built. Your team has to know you'll actually listen when they tell you something needs attention.
The action: Take stock right now. Who's in your cleaning station? Do you have people on your team who will tell you when you're wrong? Do you have cross-functional partners who will help you navigate organizational politics when things get messy? Have you built enough trust that your people will actually speak up when they see you heading toward a mistake?
If the answer is no—or even "I'm not sure"—that's your work for Q1. Build those relationships now. Create the psychological safety. Prove you'll listen.
Because when 2026 throws its inevitable punches, you don’t want to hear the ominous JAWS theme song > you're going to need a team that can help you heal and get back in the fight.
Former employee accused of stealing $98K from store
A man who formerly worked at a Walmart in North Dakota is accused of stealing nearly $98,000 over a six-month period last year while he worked at the store, according to an affidavit.
Surveillance footage appeared to show Branch logging into a cash recycler machine. On this particular date, Branch obtained $1,000, placed the money into an empty money bag and placed it onto a shelf.
Before leaving the room, Branch allegedly covered the bag with empty ones. He returned several hours later and removed the cash, placing it in the pocket of his vest, the Herald reported.
Colorado's largest cities push state lawmakers to lower felony shoplifting threshold
The mayors of Colorado's three largest cities are urging state lawmakers to lower the felony shoplifting threshold, citing growing concerns about repeat offenders and the financial toll on small businesses in the wake of a recent Colorado Supreme Court ruling that limits local enforcement options.
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade and Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman sent a joint letter to Gov. Jared Polis and legislative leaders on Jan. 8, laying out prirorties they'd like to see adddressed in the 2026 session.
FBI: 1 arrested after protesters smash into unmarked federal vehicles allegedly containing federal documents
The FBI says that a suspect is in custody after protests in north Minneapolis Wednesday evening culminated in vandalism and the apparent compromising of federal documents.
"One individual who allegedly stole federal government property out of an FBI vehicle in Minneapolis last night has been arrested," FBI Director Kash Patel announced Thursday evening. "The suspect is a member of the Latin Kings gang with a known violent criminal history."
Bear Pulls Off Fourth Candy Store Smash & Grab
When Winnie the Pooh craves a little smackerel of something, he goes for the honey pot, but this bear goes for candy at Glades Homemade Candies in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
Four different times, a bear broke in, broke glass and overturned a massive sheet pan rack to drag pans of sweets outside the store.
The owners of Glades Homemade Candies say they've done everything they can to keep the sweet-treat loving grizzly out, including secure doors, bear-proof dumpsters, and enhancing security measures.
The store has reported the incident to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, and say they're hopeful the bear will be humanely relocated.
"This persistent bear is a challenge we urgently need to overcome, we are grateful for your prayers," the owners wrote on Facebook.
Carrie Mounts Todd recommended they embrace this grizzly's irrestible attraction to their candy, writing on social, "Your advertising should state "Bear Approved" or "Our candies are so good that even the bears can't resist". Make lemonade out of lemons." Others noted the big guy probably has a sugar hangover from their delicious fudge. [audacy.com]
FaceFirst®: Built to Layer - Supporting Retailer’s Loss Prevention Ecosystem
FaceFirst® doesn’t replace your loss prevention stack; it elevates it. It strengthens what’s already working, unites what’s been siloed, and turns disconnected systems into a cohesive, insight-driven network.
In today’s retail environment, no single solution can stand alone. Shrink reduction, safety, and operational efficiency come from how well your technologies work together. That’s why the best loss prevention ecosystems don’t rely on a single platform; they rely on seamless layers of intelligence.
FaceFirst® layers nicely.
Unlike other systems that force retailers into closed environments or rigid data workflows, and eliminates their current investment in multiple security solutions. FaceFirst® complements your existing solutions, from license plate readers, Purchek® pushout prevention and case management systems — to assist in identifying repeat offenders and build more actionable cases. The result is a smarter, more connected approach to loss prevention that amplifies the value of every layer you already have in place.
Central Georgia man accused of leading a retail-theft ring learns sentence for Houston County thefts
A Lamar County man plead guilty in Houston County court Thursday to stealing a hover board and scooter from the Perry Walmart, but the case goes beyond a simple bout of shoplifting.
According to District Attorney Eric Edwards, Christopher Derek Simpson is accused of being a part of an "organized retail theft" ring, targeting shops across Central Georgia and allegedly stealing over $25,000 in merchandise across the state.
San Jose smash-and-grab robbery spurs calls for more funding from state
A recent smash-and-grab robbery in the South Bay has renewed calls from elected leaders and business advocates for more funding to enforce Prop 36, which increases penalties for repeat retail theft offenders.
Supporters point to violent incidents, including an attack on an 88-year-old San Jose jewelry store owner, while Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office says the state has already committed more than $200 million to support the measure.
Florida man arrested after trying TikTok challenge inside Walmart
An 18-year-old Florida man was arrested after deputies said he tried to stay overnight inside a Walmart as part of a TikTok challenge.
The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded just after 11 p.m. Tuesday to a reported burglary at the Walmart on McCall Road.
The caller reported to 911 that a man was still inside after the store closed and was streaming live on TikTok.
Deputies entered and found Isaac Hurley in the dog bed section, according to the sheriff’s office.
NIOSH workers to be reinstated after layoffs amid restructuring efforts
It was announced on Wednesday that workers at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) that received layoff notices will be reinstated.
"I'm just gonna have to tell you, I had tears running down my face," retired NIOSH employee Anita Wolfe said.
Wolfe retired from the NIOSH facility in Morgantown. Her excitement for her friends and former coworkers is strong.
"Immediately I got a call from a very close friend of mine that works in the Spokane facility and she was crying so hard, she couldn't even talk to me," she said.
The Top 5 Benefits of AI & Analytics in Modern Video Surveillance
In every sector, from parking and banking to retail and transit, organizations are rethinking how they use video. Cameras no longer just record what happens; they now understand what happens.
In a recent episode of Parking Live, I joined hosts Matt Darst and Jade Neville to share how artificial intelligence (AI) and analytics are transforming everyday spaces into smart, proactive environments that enhance safety, efficiency, and trust.
Discover what’s possible. Learn how March Networks’ AI and analytics solutions can help your organization enhance safety, efficiency, and customer experience. Contact us.
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