Amazon and Walmart can’t stop a $12 billion theft problem
A new report says package theft remains a massive problem for retailers, with porch pirates driving an estimated $12.8 billion in losses tied to stolen deliveries. Major e-commerce players like Amazon and Walmart are among the most exposed, as online shopping volume continues to rise. Beyond the direct value of stolen goods, retailers also absorb replacement costs, refunds, customer service expenses, and damaged trust. The story is a reminder that shrink doesn’t end at the store exit, it now extends all the way to the customer’s front door.
International crime crew stole $24M in luxury goods operating from bogus car rentals
Federal authorities say a South American theft crew stole more than $24 million through a series of burglaries across the U.S. Prosecutors allege the group used fake car rental businesses as fronts to move suspects and avoid detection while carrying out organized crimes. The ring reportedly targeted affluent areas and high-value merchandise in coordinated operations. The case underscores the growing sophistication and mobility of transnational crime groups.
Suspect accused of leading violent shoplifting ring that stole $155,000 from high-end stores, including Lululemon, Givenchy
A Montgomery County man has been accused of leading a violent retail theft ring responsible for stealing $155,000 in merchandise from high-end stores across multiple states. Investigators say the group targeted brands including Lululemon and Givenchy, often using force or intimidation during thefts. Authorities allege the suspect coordinated crews and resold stolen goods for profit. The case reflects how organized retail crime continues to target premium brands with repeat, aggressive tactics.
Two Walmart employees accused of stealing $28K in merchandise
Two Walmart employees have been accused of stealing merchandise and/or cash from the store where they worked. Investigators say the case involves internal theft, one of the most costly and difficult forms of shrink for retailers to detect. Both employees now face criminal charges as authorities continue reviewing the extent of losses. The incident is another reminder that retail risk can come from inside the building as well as outside it.
Texas sheriff arrests two for cargo theft after $250,000 worth of snow crabs goes missing
Texas authorities arrested two suspects after $250,000 worth of snow crabs reportedly disappeared in a cargo theft case. Investigators say the stolen seafood shipment was taken from the supply chain before reaching its intended destination. Cargo theft has become an increasing concern as organized groups target high-value and easily resold goods moving through transportation networks. The case shows that today’s theft risks extend far beyond store shelves.
Raiders of the Lost Cart
City fining grocery stores over vagrants stealing their carts!
40 Shopping Carts Pulled from local stream
The unwritten ‘cart etiquette’ rule all shoppers should follow
New state bill could let companies off the hook for abandoned shopping carts
Tim Bartlett, Dollar General's VP of Asset Protection, said that out loud, on the record, and meant it on the TalkLPnews Podcast with host Amber Bradley.
Six roles. Three promotions. And he'd make the same calls again.
Tim Bartlett spent 22 years moving sideways as much as up, through store ops, HR, and eventually LP, and has some strong opinions about why chasing the next title is the wrong obsession. This conversation covers lateral moves, building influence when you don't have authority, and what he actually tells people who feel stuck.
Def worth your time.
Middle-class professionals are proudly shoplifting as an act of ‘political resistance’
At a Whole Foods grocery shop in New York, a basic loaf of bread will set you back about $8. A certain kind of Brooklynite, however, can help themselves to this and other basic cooking staples, such as lemons, for free. The qualification for this excellent bargain?
A $2.2m Brooklyn townhouse, an architect for a spouse and a few bylines in the illustrious New York Times (NYT).
These are the strange new rules of shoplifting. It is acceptable – even laudable – to steal from chain supermarkets, so long as you are a wealthy person doing it all in the name of progressive values.
Elaborate barcode-switching thefts targeting Publix, Lowe's lead to suspect's arrest
What started as unusual self-checkout transactions at local Publix and Lowe’s stores ended with the arrest of a Palm Beach Shores man accused of carrying out an elaborate barcode-switching theft scheme across Palm Beach County.
According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, Kevin Lubic, 63, was arrested April 22 after investigators tied him to dozens of alleged retail thefts at multiple stores over several months. Authorities say the thefts followed a familiar pattern: Lubic would select high-priced merchandise, then scan lower-cost barcodes at self-checkout registers before leaving the store with the unpaid items.
Florida teens face criminal charges for social media stunts at Target, Culver's
A leaf blower stunt at Culver’s and a lawnmower driving into Target led to two Florida teens' arrests for social media-fueled incidents, police say.
Officers with the Ocala Police Department say Janek Szkaradek and Luke Charske, both 18, were taken into custody for the incidents on Saturday.
On Friday, Szkaradek reportedly caused a disturbance inside a Culver’s off SW College Road in Ocala with a leaf blower, creating a safety concern for employees and customers.
Then on Saturday, officers say Szkaradek drove a lawnmower through the entrance of the Target store while Charske recorded the stunt on video.
Asset Protection Executive Xchange (APEX) is an executive-only, invite-only, in-person event dedicated to bringing asset protection executives together for valuable education and unmatched networking. APEX is relationship building at the highest level, where meaningful conversations often turn into lasting partnerships and real business solutions.
Now is your chance to get in on all the excitement, but act fast as seats and hotel rooms are selling out. Don’t miss this game-changing opportunity to experience asset protection’s premier event and connect with the leaders shaping the future of the industry.
Join us for the Retail Crime Legal Briefing Q&A Southeast in partnership with ALTO, where we’ll get into the challenges retailers are facing and the legal strategies that matter most right now. Featuring insights from attorney Charles Bowling, Esq., and Ops Lead Counsel Simon Isham from ALTO, this session will explore the topic from multiple angles to give you a well rounded perspective.
Join the Interactive Live Discussion on May 7, 2026 at 2:00 pm to gain actionable insights on navigating retail crime in today’s landscape.
The Biggest Face Matching Myths in Retail are it’s too expensive. Too risky. Too biased. Too hard to scale. Face matching in retail has been buried under myths for years, and many decision-makers are still operating on outdated assumptions.
In this webinar with SAFR, we’ll separate fact from fiction, tackle the biggest misconceptions head-on, and explore what modern, responsible face matching actually looks like in today’s retail environment. Register now and see what the industry may be getting wrong.
Is Your Security Budget Subsidizing Organized Retail Crime?
By 2028, retail theft is projected to reach $55 billion. That is a massive amount of profit drained by sophisticated crime networks that know exactly how to find the gaps in our industry's security plans. If you have disconnected tools or legacy technologies, it's time to pay attention—because siloed systems are only enabling ORC.
Without a full picture of your security posture across every location, you’re offering up a series of blind spots for crews to exploit. Our latest white paper breaks down the shifting ROI of retail crime and shows how to transform your infrastructure into a proactive, centralized intelligence engine. Stop with passive monitoring; find out how to put your security to work for you.
Prosecutors need new tools to dismantle organized retail crime
Every day, prosecutors across the country show up ready to do their jobs: enforce the law, protect communities, and hold offenders accountable. But when it comes to organized retail crime, they are increasingly confronting a sophisticated national and transnational criminal threat with inadequate tools designed for isolated local offenses.
Organized retail crime has real consequences beyond the loss of product for the retailer. It reaches distribution centers, warehouses, transportation networks, and most importantly, our communities. Workers feel less safe. Consumers pay higher prices. Economic stability and public safety are eroded.
Despite a challenging environment, retail layoffs are way down this year–for now
Nike’s announcement that it was laying off approximately 1,400 employees—most of them in the company’s technology department—drew widespread attention.
That attention stemmed in part from the timing. The layoffs come just a few months after Nike announced 775 job cuts in January, primarily at its US-based distribution centers, as it accelerated its use of automation.
Zooming out: While the layoffs represent less than 2% of Nike’s global headcount, the announcement stood out because such moves have become less common across retail this year.
Police Battling Sophisticated Retail Crime
Putnam County Law enforcement utilizing the Tennessee Organized Retail Crime Prevention Act to target traveling criminal groups that steal thousands of dollars in merchandise from high-end merchants.
Cookeville Police Department Sgt. Charlotte Austin said the legislation addresses sophisticated criminal enterprises instead of shoplifting. Austin said one detective in Cookeville has already taken out approximately 12 warrants under this specific charge representing a total loss of about $160,000.
Austin said shoppers should remain vigilant because the financial impact of these large-scale thefts eventually leads to higher prices for all consumers.
NYC to begin enforcing obscure storefront gate transparency law on July 1
Enforcement will soon begin on an obscure New York City law passed in 2009 that requires most businesses to replace traditional solid roll-down security gates with versions that are at least 70% transparent.
The July 1, 2026, deadline was written into the law when it passed with the goal of phasing out noncompliant gates gradually over many years.
The measure, known as Local Law 75, requires most storefront security gates to allow visibility into businesses after hours.
As the July 1 deadline approaches, some business owners in southern Brooklyn say they are only now learning about the mandate and worry they will not have enough time or money to comply.
61-year-old man dead after shooting at Costco
A 61-year-old man died after being shot multiple times outside a Costco in Strongsville, Ohio. Police responded to the scene Saturday evening, provided first aid, and the victim was transported to a hospital where he later died.
Authorities said the shooting appeared to involve two individuals, and one man was taken in for questioning.
The store closed for the day and reopened the following morning as the investigation continued. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses to determine what led to the violence.
The incident is another reminder that serious safety threats can emerge in everyday retail environments with little warning.
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