Sterling Heights retail fraud suspect turned out to be wanted for murder in Tennessee
Police in Sterling Heights arrested a man for retail fraud who was later discovered to be wanted in Tennessee on a murder charge. Authorities say the suspect was initially detained during a retail theft investigation before a records check revealed the outstanding homicide warrant. He is now being held pending extradition to Tennessee. The case underscores how routine retail crime encounters can intersect with far more serious criminal activity.
Burglars use U-Haul to smash into Decatur beauty supply store
Burglars used a rented U-Haul truck to ram into a beauty supply store in Decatur, Georgia, causing extensive damage to the building. Surveillance footage shows the suspects forcing entry and stealing merchandise before fleeing the scene. Police say the smash-and-grab appears coordinated and deliberate, consistent with organized retail theft tactics. Investigators are working to identify the suspects and determine whether the group is linked to similar incidents in the area.
Supermarket chain puts AMRs in the aisles
A supermarket chain has begun deploying autonomous mobile robots directly in store aisles to support inventory visibility and operational efficiency. The robots are designed to scan shelves, identify out-of-stocks, and collect data without disrupting shoppers. Company leaders say the technology helps store teams focus on higher-value tasks while improving on-shelf availability. The rollout reflects the growing use of automation inside stores, not just in distribution centers.
Gambling Addicted Ex-Amazon Boss Jailed for Stealing Employees’ Free Gifts
A former Amazon executive was sentenced to jail after admitting to stealing employee gift cards and perks to fund a gambling addiction. Prosecutors said the executive abused his position of trust to divert company-provided benefits for personal use. The thefts went undetected for a period before internal controls uncovered the misconduct. The case highlights risks tied to internal fraud, even at senior leadership levels.
One dead after double shooting at Amazon Fulfillment Center on Far West Side
A double shooting at an Amazon fulfillment center in San Antonio left one person critically injured, according to authorities. The incident occurred in the facility’s parking area, prompting a large law enforcement response. Investigators say the shooting does not appear to be random, though details about the suspect and motive remain under investigation. The event raises renewed concerns about workplace violence risks at large employment sites.
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Masked thieves smash display case at jewelry store in Trumbull Mall
Two masked suspects used tools to smash a glass display case and steal jewelry from a store at Trumbull Mall Sunday evening, police said.
The theft occurred at approximately 5:40 p.m. at Banter by Piercing Pagoda, according to Trumbull police.
The suspects, who were wearing masks and hooded sweatshirts, stole an undetermined amount of merchandise and fled on foot in an unknown direction off the mall property.
Car with sleeping girl inside stolen while mother ran into store, Atlanta police say
Atlanta police are warning parents to not leave children in running cars by themselves after someone went on a joyride in a stolen car with a little girl sleeping in the backseat.
On the evening of Dec. 16, 2025, officers responded to reports of a stolen vehicle and found it at an apartment complex.
In body camera footage shared on Facebook, an Atlanta police officer found the vehicle and the girl in the backseat.
Alexandria police announces new hate crime policy after woman charged in viral grocery store assault
A Maryland woman is facing several charges, including assault and battery, after an alleged hate-based incident caught on camera went viral.
According to the Alexandria Police Department, 34-year-old Shibritney Colbert was caught on camera pushing a 24-year-old man, throwing groceries at him and making derogatory statements. The incident happened on Christmas day at the Giant grocery store on Duke Street.
Florida Cargo Theft Probe Leads to Doral Drug Bust and Arrest, Suspect Faces Trafficking Charges
A joint investigation by a specialized Cargo Theft Task Force has led to an unexpected drug bust and the arrest of a man in Doral, Florida.
The Task Force, featuring members from both the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office (MDSO) Organized Crime Bureau (OCB) Cargo Theft Unit and the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), was initially probing a case involving a stolen trailer filled with JBL speakers.
Following a brief pursuit, they apprehended 30-year-old Kadniel Blackwood. The investigation, which took place near 8201 NW 56 Street, unexpectedly uncovered a substantial cache of narcotics.
Client advisory – trends in dupes & super-fakes in luxury retail
From a legal standpoint, a clear distinction must be drawn between high-grade counterfeits and look-alikes ("dupes"). Dupes are inspired versions of products that do not misrepresent their original. Super-fakes are ultra-realistic counterfeits that are priced in the mid-luxury range ($ 500-$ 5,000) and are indistinguishable from the authentic products. There has been a significant increase in the prevalence of dupes and super-fakes in the luxury market in recent years, which has led to consumer tolerance, brand equity erosion, and legal thorniness.
Body-worn cameras for retail security officers offer a strategic advantage
In response, many organisations are trialling technology to safeguard colleagues and stock.
Body-worn cameras (BWCs) for security officers are one of the most popular options, yet perspectives on their optimal use vary.
For some, their primary function lies in deterrence, creating a visible reminder that unlawful behaviour will be recorded, in some cases discouraging potential offenders.
For others, the emphasis is on capturing high-quality footage that can be used to hold offenders accountable.
Why Retailers Should Brace for Increased Retail Theft in 2026
As 2025 draws to a close, retailers are preparing for another year of economic uncertainty. Inflation has cooled from historic highs, but prices remain elevated across essential categories — and many consumers continue to feel real pressure at the checkout. New consumer behavior data suggests a troubling reality for retailers: when wallets tighten, theft tends to rise.
A recent LendingTree survey of more than 2,000 U.S. consumers found that 27% admitted to intentionally taking items without paying in retail environments, up sharply from 15% just two years ago. More revealing than the statistic itself is the motivation behind it. Nearly half of respondents cited high prices or financial strain as the primary justification for their behavior, with many stating that rising costs made essentials feel unaffordable or unfair.
Store employee's 911 call leads to rescue of 14-year-old in shocking neglect case
A case of child abuse in Mobile County is linked to a family living in Pensacola.
The Mobile County Sheriff's office says a 14-year-old girl with special needs had been living alone in abhorrent conditions for nearly a year along with seven dogs. When authorities arrived on Sunday, they found one of the dogs dead in a closet and a home covered in filth.
The girl's mother, Marchelle Lynn Pertilla, and stepfather, Eugene Medrano -- who both live and work in Pensacola -- have been arrested. The last time they reportedly saw the girl was Oct. 31.
Rethinking OEHS Training: Moving Beyond Compliance to Reduce Risk
Occupational and environmental health and safety (OEHS) training has long been a central element of regulatory compliance and organizational risk management.
Globally, employers invest substantial resources in mandatory safety orientations, refresher courses, and certification programs.
Despite this investment, the International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that nearly 3 million workers die each year from occupational injuries and diseases, with hundreds of millions more experiencing nonfatal harm (International Labour Organization [ILO], 2019).
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