New York recovers $2.6M in goods amid retail theft crackdown
New York officials announced the recovery of $2.6 million in stolen merchandise as part of a major statewide retail-theft crackdown. The operation targeted organized retail crime networks involved in large-scale shoplifting, fencing, and cargo theft. Authorities say coordinated efforts between state police, prosecutors, and retailers were key to the results. The state plans to continue expanding its tactics as theft crews become more sophisticated.
Retailers push anti-theft legislation before 2025 ends
Retailers are lobbying lawmakers to pass tougher anti-theft laws as the year comes to a close. Their priorities include stronger penalties for organized retail crime, better data-sharing systems, and expanded protections for store employees. Industry groups argue that current laws are outdated and allow theft rings to operate with little consequence. Legislators are reportedly considering several proposals but have limited time left in the session.
Shoplifting down 13% in NYC and across the state after retail theft crackdown
Governor Hochul announced that shoplifting has dropped 13 percent statewide following New York’s intensified crackdown on retail theft. Officials credit increased enforcement, stronger partnerships with retailers, and targeted action against repeat offenders. The decline marks the first significant reduction in years as ORC activity had surged post-pandemic. Hochul says the state will continue investing in prevention and prosecution to sustain the trend.
Four Foreign Nationals Sentenced in Multi-State ATM and Retail Skimming Conspiracy
Four individuals were sentenced for running a multi-state skimming operation targeting ATMs and retail payment terminals. The group installed devices that captured card numbers and PINs, enabling them to steal funds from victims across several states. Investigators recovered skimming equipment, cloned cards, and evidence tying the defendants to coordinated fraud activity. The case highlights the ongoing threat of payment-card skimming despite advances in security technology.
Fencing Operation Raided in Multi-Year Investigation, Suspect Charged in Organized Retail Crime Case
Authorities raided a Denver-area pawnshop after a lengthy investigation into its suspected role in organized retail crime. An employee was charged with trafficking stolen goods that were funneled through the shop over multiple years. Investigators say the business acted as a resale hub for merchandise stolen from major retailers. The case underscores how pawnshops and secondary-market outlets are sometimes exploited as part of ORC supply chains.
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Workplace Violence: Are Retail Employees Too Scared To Work?
More than half (52%) of retail workers say they are likely to leave their current job in the next 12 months due to personal safety concerns, according to new research conducted by the Loss Prevention Research Council (LPRC) in partnership with Verkada.
The State of Retail Safety report reveals an escalation in workplace violence from 2024, and offers insight into solutions that can protect retail workers, consumers, and inventory without escalating tensions.
Cargo theft surges 29% in Q3, as thieves target electronics, food
Cargo theft in the U.S. jumped sharply in the third quarter, with 645 incidents recorded — up 29% year-over-year and 23% from the second quarter, according to supply chain visibility firm Overhaul’s Q3-2025 cargo theft report.
California (35%) and Texas (22%) remained the nation’s top hotspots, fueled by high volumes of electronics, food-and-beverage, home goods and auto parts moving through major freight corridors.
5 fraud schemes retailers need to guard against during the holidays
Retailers are ramping up for the holiday shopping season, but unfortunately, these crucial few weeks, which can help businesses end the year strong, are also a period of increased retail fraud.
Last year, research from Socure found that 13% of Americans participated in fraudulent schemes. Even more concerning, 40% of Gen Z committed fraud over the holidays, suggesting this is a trend that’s only going to worsen in the future.
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Optus Faces Hefty $826K Fine Over Coles Mobile Scam Breach
Optus Mobile, a telecom firm, has been hit with another hefty fine of $826,320 for breaching anti-scam regulations. This recent violation pertains to its business operations under the Coles Mobile brand.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) served the penalty after a thorough investigation into the infractions committed by Optus. The probe revealed that the company had infringed anti-scam provisions on 44 separate instances during September and October of the previous year. These infractions were carried out through Coles Mobile, a collaborative venture enabling consumers to register for a mobile contract via the Coles supermarket chain.
French Retail Groups Take Legal Action Against Shein Over Product Safety, Unfair Competition
After the hotly contested opening of Shein’s first physical retail store earlier this month, French fashion and retail groups are turning up the heat on the Chinese ultra-fast-fashion giant.
In a landmark move, 12 French retail federations, alongside several big brands, have launched legal proceedings against Shein’s Ireland-based European subsidiary, Infinite Styles Service Co. Ltd.
The federations’ legal action against Shein seeks to stop unfair competition and ensure compliance with European product safety standards, leveling the playing field for French retailers.
Retail sector welcomes Victorian government’s new Worker Assault and Vehicle Ram-Raid laws
The Shopping Centre Council of Australia (SCCA) has welcomed the Victorian Government’s announcement to introduce tough new laws that will help protect workers, including shopping centre security guards, cleaners as well as retail workers, along with other measures including vehicle ram-raids being upgraded to an aggravated burglary offence.
The Government has also announced a commitment to introduce legislation for Workplace Protection Orders in April 2026.
The SCCA strongly supports any measure that targets and helps to reduce crime and violence in retail settings.
The Sr. Director, of Corporate Security and Crisis Management serves as the enterprise business leader responsible for the full range of Corporate Security programs to include physical security, business continuity, crisis management, disaster response, investigations, executive protection, active assailant prevention & response, and behavioral threat assessment & management. The Sr. Director, of Corporate Security is a pivotal leadership role responsible for the comprehensive oversight of corporate security and investigative operations within the company. This includes safeguarding the organization's facilities and assets, ensuring the safety of associates, customers and senior executives, and maintaining robust security protocols across all company locations. The individual in this position will regularly interact with senior executives, including the CEO and other members of the Kroger Leadership Team (KLT). Additionally, this role involves establishing and directing programs to prevent workplace violence and other security threats.
Clerical error leads to Provo woman mistakenly charged for shoplifting
You have received a court summons ordering you to appear before a judge on a criminal charge. The name is correct, but it’s not you!
A Provo woman is currently dealing with that exact scenario.
Megan McGee insists she is the “Real McCoy" and not the Megan McGee named in a summons on a shoplifting charge.
And even though it appears to be a clerical error, Megan and defense attorneys say there are some things you need to know if it happens to you.
Walmart Eyes R&A Data Acquisition for Marketplace Fraud
Walmart is reportedly in talks to acquire R&A Data, a startup that already serves as a third-party vendor helping the retailer screen listings on its online marketplace for counterfeiting and other compliance issues.
Reducing counterfeits and scams on online marketplaces is R&A Data’s specialty, and Walmart decided to acquire the company after working with it, CNBC reported Wednesday (Nov. 19), citing unnamed sources.
Walmart did not immediately reply to PYMNTS’ request for comment.
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