Ongoing cyberattacks targeting internet-connected PLCs disrupt US critical infrastructure, agencies warn
Federal cybersecurity agencies are warning that Iranian-affiliated hackers are actively targeting internet-connected industrial control systems across U.S. critical infrastructure. Since March, attacks on programmable logic controllers—particularly those from Rockwell Automation—have caused operational disruptions and financial losses in sectors including energy, water, and government services. Officials say the activity reflects escalating geopolitical tensions and urge organizations to immediately secure exposed systems, strengthen defenses, and prepare for continued cyber threats.
Man in viral YouTube video pleads guilty to $27M elder fraud scheme
A Chinese national has pleaded guilty to his role in a $27 million elder fraud and money-laundering scheme that targeted thousands of U.S. seniors. Jiandong Chen, known as “Little Tiger,” participated in scams involving fake refunds, tech support, and impersonation tactics. Victims were tricked into sending money after being over-refunded. Chen, who used false identities and was exposed in a viral YouTube video, helped collect funds across multiple states.
Oregon shoplifter sues the grocery store clerk who stopped him. Video shows why
An Oregon man has filed a $10,000 lawsuit against a grocery store, alleging a clerk assaulted him during a shoplifting incident. Joshua Merkel claims he was attacked after fleeing a Southwest Portland store with unpaid groceries, citing medical costs and emotional distress. The suit follows a criminal case in which the cashier involved was found not guilty of second-degree assault, setting up a renewed legal battle in civil court.
Shoplifting on the rise as cost of living mounts
Rising living costs are driving a surge in shoplifting across Canada, placing growing strain on small businesses. A Canadian Federation of Independent Business survey found 50% of owners report increased crime, while theft under $5,000 has climbed sharply in recent years. Retailers also report more violent incidents, with losses exceeding $1 billion. Industry groups are urging government action to address repeat offenders and improve support for crime prevention.
Man arrested in $350K scheme targeting Home Depot, Lowe’s stores nationwide
Police in Murrieta, California, have arrested a suspect linked to a nationwide organized retail theft scheme targeting power tool batteries at Home Depot and Lowe’s stores. What began as a routine shoplifting call revealed a multi-state operation using a return fraud tactic, with estimated losses reaching $350,000. Authorities say the suspect repeatedly removed batteries from purchased tools before returning them. The investigation remains ongoing as officials assess the full scope.
Retail crime becoming ‘more aggressive and organised’ amid viral ‘link-up’ trend
Retail leaders have warned that shop theft is becoming increasingly organised and aggressive following a series of social media-driven “link-up” gatherings that have disrupted high streets across the UK.
Incidents in London, Birmingham and Milton Keynes have seen large groups of young people gather in retail areas, with some events escalating into disorder, store closures and theft.
Police investigate video that appears to show suspect start raging Ontario warehouse fire
Ontario police said they’re investigating a social media video appearing to show an arson suspect starting the massive fire that tore through a sprawling warehouse of paper products on Tuesday. Investigators identified the suspect as 29-year-old Highland resident Chamel Abdulkarim, an employee at the facility. A video circulating social media purports to show Abdulkarim after he allegedly set pallets of paper towels on fire.
DA takes anti-retail theft crackdown on the road across Alameda County
Alameda County District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson is visiting businesses across the county on Wednesday to strengthen partnerships aimed at dismantling organized retail theft operations. She said her office is focused on charging and penalizing groups that make a living through retail crimes. Dickson was in Union City on Wednesday, touring a Walmart alongside store managers and security personnel.
Smarter Video Solutions for Today and Tomorrow
AI Smart Search analyzes video snapshots from all cameras taken at customizable time intervals. This gives customers access to a cost-effective, yet advanced generative AI tool leveraging video surveillance for business intelligence, while minimizing the storage and processing demands of analyzing full video footage.
Murrieta Theft Uncovers Statewide Organized Retail Crime Scheme
A routine shoplifting call in Murrieta, California led police to uncover a larger organized retail crime operation. The suspect allegedly traveled across the state, purchasing items at Home Depot and Lowe's, removing the batteries, and then returning the items to the stores, keeping the batteries. Police estimate the total losses from this scheme could be as high as $350,000.
M&S makes heartfelt plea for government to address retail crime
Retailer pleas to the UK government tend to fall into several categories these days — from bring back tax-free shopping for tourists to changing the business rates system. And another that's become more of an issue is retail crime. We hear a lot about the scourge of retail crime these days and M&S is the latest retailer to beg for more action on it. In a blog post, its retail director Thinus Keeve said it “chips away confidence in our high streets”.
4 women caught shoplifting luxury clothes from New Jersey mall
They stole thousands of dollars' worth of clothing from the Lululemon, Aritzia, and SKIMS at the Westfield Garden State Plaza Mall, according to Paramus police. Around 4:30 p.m. on April 3, Paramus police detectives were flagged down by loss prevention at Lululemon. The store employee said they saw a woman hiding merchandise in the store.
One in five witness retail violence or abuse – BRC
More than a fifth of people (21%) witnessed violence or abuse against retail workers in the last year, according to a survey.
Incidents included racial and sexual abuse, physical assault and threats with weapons while shopping, the poll by Opinium for the British Retail Consortium (BRC) found.
However, the figure was a slight improvement on the previous year, when 23% of customers witnessed such incidents. The survey also found that nearly a quarter of people (23%) have witnessed shoplifting – almost unchanged from 24% the previous year.
CONTROLTEK Expands Canadian Growth Strategy with Key Leadership Appointment
CONTROLTEK has appointed Timothy Beckett as Key Account Manager for Canada, signaling continued expansion of its EAS and RFID business. Beckett brings experience in security technology and SaaS, and will focus on growing key accounts and strengthening partnerships. The move supports CONTROLTEK’s broader strategy to enhance retail security solutions and drive adoption of connected, data-driven technologies across the Canadian market.
Simply forward this email to your team or colleagues > they scan the QR code or click below to sign up and BOOM > everyone is smarter.
