Cops in Chicago area recover $500,000 of stolen protein powder
Chicago-area law enforcement recovered roughly $500,000 worth of stolen protein powder tied to a large-scale cargo theft investigation. Authorities say the stolen goods were taken from supply chain shipments and intended for resale on secondary markets. The recovery highlights how organized theft increasingly targets high-demand consumer products rather than traditional retail items alone. Police continue investigating potential links to broader cargo theft networks operating in the region.
Video shows quick smash-and-grab robbery at Weberstown Mall jewelry store
A smash-and-grab robbery targeted a jewelry store at Weberstown Mall in Stockton, with suspects using force to break into display cases. Surveillance footage shows the group entering the store quickly and fleeing with merchandise before police arrived. No injuries were reported, but the incident caused significant property damage and financial loss. The robbery adds to growing concerns over organized retail theft activity impacting shopping centers across California.
Richmond man sentenced to over 5 years for $80,000 retail theft spree across 11 Nor Cal counties
A Richmond man was sentenced to more than five years in prison for orchestrating an $80,000 retail theft spree across 11 Northern California counties. Prosecutors said the thefts were systematic and involved repeated targeting of retail locations over an extended period. The sentencing reflects a tougher judicial response to repeat and organized retail theft offenses. Authorities hope the case sends a deterrent message to individuals involved in similar criminal activity.
Inside Our Nationwide Crackdown On Card Skimming and Fraud
The U.S. Secret Service detailed its nationwide efforts to combat card skimming and financial fraud targeting consumers and businesses. Agents have dismantled skimming devices, disrupted fraud rings, and partnered with local and federal agencies to investigate complex schemes. Officials say criminals increasingly use sophisticated technology to steal payment card data at ATMs and retail locations. The agency emphasized that collaboration, public awareness, and rapid response are critical to limiting financial losses and protecting consumers.
Walmart, Wing to scale drone delivery operations to 270 stores
Walmart and Google-parent Alphabet’s Wing are significantly expanding their drone delivery partnership, adding drone service to about 150 more Walmart stores across the U.S. over the next year, bringing the capability to roughly 40 million potential customers in major markets like Los Angeles, St. Louis, Cincinnati, and Miami. The move builds on earlier rollouts in regions such as Dallas-Fort Worth and Atlanta, where customer demand has grown rapidly and total deliveries have tripled in recent months. Walmart aims to have drone delivery available at more than 270 locations by 2027, positioning the offering alongside traditional last-mile options to meet consumer expectations for rapid fulfillment. This expansion underscores the retailer’s strategic use of autonomous logistics technology to compete with rivals and enhance delivery convenience.
Scott McBride Named to NRF’s List of People Shaping Retail’s Future
Scott McBride has been recognized on the National Retail Federation’s annual list of People Shaping Retail’s Future, honoring leaders who are driving meaningful change across the industry. The recognition highlights Scott’s influence on how retailers think about innovation, risk, and the evolving role of technology in operations and asset protection. NRF’s list spotlights individuals whose work is helping shape the next chapter of retail, from strategy to execution. Congratulations to Scott on a well-deserved industry honor.
This recognition is rooted in the same forward-looking perspective Scott shared on the TalkLP Podcast at last year’s NRF BIG Show. In the conversation with host Amber Bradley, Scott laid out where retail is headed next, from real-time inventory and diversified supply chains to LP’s growing role as one of the industry’s leading adopters of AI. He also explored the shift toward Total Retail Loss and what changing consumer attitudes, especially among Millennials and Gen Z, mean for the future of retail. The episode offers a clear window into the thinking that continues to shape where the industry is going. Check it out here.
Two Women Arrested in Maryland for Alleged Multi-Jurisdiction Ulta Beauty Theft Scheme
Two women have been arrested in connection with a significant theft scheme involving Ulta Beauty stores throughout Maryland, according to the Carroll County Sheriff's Office. Officials say over $11,000 in merchandise was seized in a series of recoveries linked to the alleged thefts.
In an operation that spanned multiple jurisdictions, Dasjanae Teona Timmons, 23, of Jessup, and Dahmira Monya Laboo, 23, of Severn, were apprehended on charges of theft in amounts ranging from $1,500 to $25,000 and organized retail theft—both classified as felonies.
Kroger Blames Retail Theft, Plans to Close 60 Stores and Cut 9,000 Jobs
Kroger announced plans to close approximately 60 stores over the next 18 months, a move the company attributes in part to the challenges posed by rising retail theft and shrink.
The closures, which represent about 2% of its national footprint, could impact between 6,000 and 9,000 employees, although Kroger says it will offer transfer options at other locations. Local officials in some communities have disputed Kroger’s theft narrative, pointing out significant drops in shoplifting even as closures proceed.
Four New Directors Named to NRF Board
The National Retail Federation today announced the addition of four new members to its board of directors. The members were elected during the board’s annual winter meeting at NRF 2026: Retail’s Big Show.
“We are honored to welcome this distinguished group of industry veterans and changemakers to the NRF Board of Directors at a pivotal time for retailers,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Their collective insights and unparalleled expertise will play a crucial role as we navigate the future of retail and shifting consumer behavior.”
Rising Prices, Rising Retail Theft: Preparing for 2026
Gatekeeper Systems’ Strategic Partnership with ROC Adds Top-Ranked Facial Recognition Algorithm to Industry Leading FaceFirst® Software
Gatekeeper Systems, a pioneer in intelligent theft prevention solutions, today announced a significant enhancement to its FaceFirst® platform with the integration of technology from ROC.
ROC is the #1 American provider of facial recognition and vision AI and trusted by the U.S. Department of Defense, numerous law enforcement agencies, and Fortune 500 companies.
FaceFirst’s ROC algorithm integration delivers a new level of accuracy, fairness, and operational trust to enterprise loss prevention programs. It helps retailers reduce false alerts, improve investigative efficiency, and strengthen risk mitigation without requiring new hardware or additional costs.
Arizona attorney fired, accused of filming young girl inside Target
Arizona attorney fired, accused of filming young girl inside Target. Paul Correa served as Chief Civil Deputy County Attorney for the Cochise County Attorney's Office.
Body camera footage from the Sierra Vista Police Department on Dec. 17, obtained by Cool FM Live, shows an officer confronting Correa after a father said the man filmed his 12-year-old daughter inside a Target store.
Correa was then seen in his car watching the video with his pants "disheveled," according to the police report.
Maine State Police issue warning about counterfeit cash in circulation
Police are warning business owners and consumers alike to be on the lookout for counterfeit cash.
Maine State Police said there has been an increase in counterfeit U.S. currency reported in recent weeks, with reports coming in from Bangor to Van Buren.
They said most incidents involve business deposits, but that anyone who handles cash should still be on the lookout.
Police said recent incidents have involved $100 and $20 bills, but all denominations of bills should be carefully inspected before they are accepted or deposited.
Employee accused of threatening to kill customer, firing gun outside Malden store
A Malden store employee is accused of threatening to kill a customer and firing a gun into the air.
Malden Police said Mohamed Abidine-Sidi, 32, lately of Malden, was arrested on Thursday, January 8, on gun-related charges.
According to a probable cause statement, officers were called shortly before 11 p.m. on Wednesday to the M-Town Market on the 500 block of East Laclede to a report of shots fired.
When officers arrived, they reported finding Abidine-Sidi and another man arguing inside the store near the front door.
Congratulations to Brandon Cummings on his promotion to Senior Director, Asset Protection & Safety at Dollar General.
Brandon brings deep experience in asset protection leadership, safety, and shrink reduction, along with a strong financial foundation that continues to elevate the function. Wishing him continued success in this next chapter.
Stopping fraud without sacrificing customer experience: A real-time playbook for modern retail
If your fraud strategy currently prioritizes protection over experience or vice versa, it’s time to rethink the balance. Modern fraud prevention should do both, in real time.
Fraud has stopped behaving like a seasonal spike. It's now a constant pressure on retailers, showing up in new channels, blending in with legitimate behavior, and accelerating through automation. At the same time, customer expectations have never been higher. Shoppers want fast checkout, seamless recognition across devices, and zero interruptions. The tension between those two forces defines modern retail.
Macy’s to close stores across 12 states in early 2026: Which locations are shuttering?
Macy’s has revealed the latest stores slated for closure as part of its ongoing efforts to reallocate resources and strengthen the brand.
In a memo shared with employees, Macy’s CEO Tony Spring provided an update on the company’s years-long “Bold New Chapter” plan, which seeks to prioritize investment in certain existing locations while closing underperforming stores, among other tactics.
“In executing our strategy, we continue to review our portfolio and make careful decisions about where and how we invest, including closing underproductive stores and streamlining operations,” wrote Spring. “These decisions are not made lightly.”
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