CHP makes arrests in $900,000 California home improvement store theft operation
Authorities in California’s Organized Retail Theft Task Force have dismantled a theft ring that targeted home improvement stores, with losses exceeding $900,000. The operation involved altering stolen merchandise—removing valuable components—and returning them in exchange for new items. Search warrants served in multiple cities led to recovery of more than $300,000 in merchandise, $59,000 in cash, and 12 firearms. The case underscores how sophisticated fraud methods are now deeply impacting retail supply chains.
Man killed after shoplifting incident ends with shooting involving deputy at Walmart
A shoplifting incident at a Walmart in southwest Miami-Dade escalated into a fatal shooting involving a deputy; one man died and no bystanders were injured. The confrontation began when a loss-prevention officer identified an individual actively stealing, leading to a pursuit and gunfire near the store. The incident marks the second deputy-involved shooting in the area in just a few days. Local authorities have urged anyone with video or information to come forward.
Baltimore man arrested after car theft, shoplifting spree ends in police chase
A 28-year-old Baltimore man, Raymond Earl Jenkins, was arrested after a car theft, shoplifting spree, and subsequent police chase. Officers located Jenkins after identifying him in the investigation, found the stolen vehicle, and took him into custody following an assault on an officer. The arrest is part of a broader crackdown on crime involving vehicle theft and organized shoplifting networks. Jenkins now faces multiple charges and the case highlights the intersection of vehicle theft and retail crime enforcement.
AI and machine learning specialist Travis Nixon takes on newly created role at Dollar General
Dollar General has appointed Travis Nixon as its first Senior Vice President of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Optimization, a new role focused on using AI to enhance efficiency across merchandising, supply chain, and store operations. Nixon brings extensive experience from leadership roles at Dropbox, Meta, and Microsoft, along with board experience at SynerAI. The company says the appointment underscores its commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and customer-centric growth. The announcement coincides with the launch of the RTIH AI in Retail Awards, celebrating global retail innovation and the growing integration of AI into business processes.
Video shows violent attack on convenience store clerk
Surveillance footage from Lynn, Massachusetts shows a store clerk being violently attacked—an assailant jumped over the counter, repeatedly punched the victim, and caused significant injuries including a broken leg, nose, and jaw. The incident stemmed from a seemingly innocuous transaction which escalated when the suspect refused to show ID and returned to initiate the confrontation. No arrests have been made yet; local officials are seeking assistance from the public to identify the attacker. The event raises concerns about increasing threats to retail staff and the need for enhanced frontline protection protocols.
Imitators vs. Innovators
Amber Bradley
Editor-in-Chief | TalkLPnews
[email protected]
You know that quote, "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery?" Yeah… no. That’s not how it works in this game. What it really means is someone had an original idea that was so good, their competition couldn't keep up – so they just copied it. In retail, imitation isn’t flattery. It’s survival instinct. A way to stay just close enough to the leaders without ever taking the first step yourself. But predators don’t imitate. They hunt. And if you want to lead in this industry, you can’t just play the part… you have to think like an APEX predator. Top of the food chain. Eyes forward. Unafraid to move when no one else will.
So, let’s add value here, because calling for innovation without helping to build it isn’t leadership either. If you’re looking to move from imitator to innovator, here’s a quick punch list to start shifting your mindset:
3 Ways to Start Innovating Without Burning Down the Building
Flip the "Pilot" Script Instead of waiting to test solutions from vendors, build your own mini pilot ideas internally. Use one location as your lab. Treat associates like partners. Prove your point with data, then scale.
Borrow Like a Thief, Build Like a Leader Draw inspiration from outside the LP world, such as tech, gaming, psychology, logistics. Just don’t copy. Remix. Reframe. And always credit the origin, even if the execution is your own.
Start a Shadow File Keep a folder of “crazy ideas” you’d never pitch in a meeting. Review it monthly. Share the best one with someone you trust. Over time, you’ll develop a sharper lens for what's possible.
When you're the one with the original idea, you're the target. Everyone's going to pick it apart, question it, maybe even mock it. But if it works? Suddenly everyone's doing exactly what you're doing. They'll rebrand it, claim they "adapted" it for their organization, maybe even act like they thought of it first. But you'll know. And more importantly, the real leaders in this industry will know.
So, what's it going to be? Will you be loyal to the imitators or stand behind the true innovators? Better yet – will YOU be the innovator? Because this industry needs more people willing to step into the arena with original ideas, not more people waiting in the wings to see what everyone else does first.
Retailers hit by ransomware face higher USD $2 million demands
More than half of retail organizations affected by ransomware attacks have opted to pay ransoms, according to new findings from Sophos' latest annual State of Ransomware in Retail report.
The study, representing a survey of 361 retail IT and cybersecurity leaders across 16 countries, revealed that 58% of retail organizations whose data was encrypted by attackers chose to pay the demanded ransom. This is the second highest payment rate recorded in the last five years.
15 alleged shoplifters arrested in 1-day operation in Richmond
In a single-day, multi-location operation in Richmond, the RCMP arrested 15 individuals suspected of ORC. The arrests are part of an effort to disrupt ORC rings operating across the region, often targeting high-value goods for resale.
Authorities say the operation demonstrates how coordinated theft crews can strike large retail footprints rapidly and that proactive policing can yield significant results.
Holiday Fraud Trends 2025: The Top 5 Cyber Threats to Watch This Season
Fraud isn’t waiting for Black Friday.
Our team analyzed holiday fraud trends 2025 and found that attackers are moving earlier, automating faster, and blurring the line between bots and humans.
Analysis shows that adversaries have already begun pre-positioning for the 2025 holiday period with new levels of automation, earlier configuration sales, and more adaptive attack patterns.
Retail Industry: By the Numbers
Video Surveillance to Reduce Product Shrink
Retail businesses face diverse challenges every day, from inventory loss to theft to operational inefficiencies. Cloud video surveillance provides powerful tools and features built to improve incident response, streamline investigations, and enhance workflows for better profits and safer stores.
These advanced capabilities help uncover actionable insights into retail operations, helping take business to the next level. With a complete cloud video platform, retailers can improve loss prevention efforts, keep an eye on operations from any location, and enhance customer experience.
Download the complete infographic to learn more about the complex and difficult challenges affecting the retail industry, as well as the solutions tailored to fortifying store security for better protection of customers, employees, and assets.
Polk County deputies arrest 2 sisters accused of grand theft at Target
A pair of sisters are facing charges after Polk County deputies say they tried to hide items they were looking to steal at a Target.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office says it responded on Tuesday to the Target located in the area of Grandview Parkway in Davenport regarding a retail theft call.
When officials arrived, they spoke to one of the store's loss prevention associates who told them he saw the two sisters, 19-year-old Afnane Kamel and 32-year-old Hala Kamel, enter the store just before 7:30 p.m.
Amid economic uncertainty, NRF forecast calls for a record retail holiday sales season
While every year brings new challenges, when it comes to logistics and the supply chain, that could be viewed as the understatement of 2025, due to various factors, including tariffs and trade policy, the ongoing emergence of AI, mixed signs regarding the state of the economy, and the ongoing federal government shutdown, among others.
One could make the case that with all of these different balls in the air that it is hard to tell where things stand at this point in the game, so to speak.
Kroger Launches Company-Wide Shutdown Plan—Thousands of Workers Facing Layoffs
Kroger, the largest supermarket chain in the United States, is planning to close about 60 stores over the next year and a half. These locations, which represent around 2% of the company’s total stores, are mostly ones that have been performing poorly. The decision highlights how the grocery business is changing as people shop differently, costs rise, and competition grows tougher.
For many neighborhoods, losing their local Kroger means more than just having to drive farther for groceries.
The Director, Safety & Loss Prevention will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of safety and security programs across US corporate offices, distribution centers, and satellite locations. This role is responsible for developing and implementing policies, procedures, and initiatives that ensure workplace safety, reduce risk, ensure regulatory compliance, protect company assets, and promote a proactive culture of safety throughout the organization.
Costco Recalls Kirkland Wine Due to Bottle Explosion Risk—Over 900,000 Bottles Affected
There’s an active recall on approximately 941,400 bottles of sparkling wine sold at select Costco stores, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).1 This is due to the bottles potentially bursting, posing a laceration risk for consumers.
The wine impacted by this recall is 750-milliliter bottles of Kirkland Signature Prosecco sold at Costco warehouses in the following states: Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
Where Should You Start With AI?
Successful AI adoption begins with clear business goals, not tech for tech’s sake. Leading retailers start small, prove measurable impact, and expand confidently — all while enhancing colleague safety and protecting the shopper experience.
Best Starting Points For retailers exploring AI adoption, a few areas consistently deliver fast, measurable impact. Inventory management is often the ideal starting point — AI-driven demand forecasting improves accuracy, reduces overstock and out-of-stock issues, and typically delivers ROI within 6 to 12 months.
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