NRF Urges Congress to Pass Federal Retail Crime Bill
The National Retail Federation urged the U.S. Congress to pass the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, a federal bill aimed at strengthening the response to organized retail crime. NRF leaders highlighted the growing complexity and coordination of theft networks that exploit vulnerabilities across stores, supply chains, and online platforms. The legislation would establish a national coordination center within Homeland Security Investigations to enhance information sharing and law enforcement collaboration. NRF applauded recent committee action on the bill and encouraged both the House and Senate to act quickly to make it law.
Store clerk accused of shooting customer at Circle K
A store clerk in High Point, North Carolina is facing charges after allegedly shooting a customer during a confrontation at a Circle K convenience store. According to police, the incident occurred amid what officers described as a dispute between the clerk and customer. Authorities are investigating the circumstances that led to the shooting and any potential charges that may be brought. The case underscores the persistent risk of violence encountered by retail employees and the need for safety protocols to protect workers and patrons.
The Top 7 AI-Generated Retail Scams You Need to Worry About in 2026
A new legal and industry advisory outlines the top seven scams emerging from the increasing use of artificial intelligence in retail. These scams exploit AI-generated content or automation to deceive consumers, manipulate sales, or bypass security controls. Retailers are warned to be vigilant against tactics such as deepfake fraud, AI-enhanced return scams, and generated account takeovers that can erode trust and increase losses. The advisory emphasizes proactive monitoring, updated fraud prevention measures, and legal preparedness as key defenses against these evolving threats.
2 teens charged with sexually assaulting girl in Walgreens bathroom
Two teenage boys have been charged following the alleged sexual assault of a female acquaintance inside a Walgreens bathroom in Naperville, Illinois. According to authorities, the 17-year-old and a 15-year-old allegedly attacked the victim, with one of them allegedly recording the assault. The older teen faces multiple serious felony counts, including aggravated sexual assault, while the younger teen faces both assault and child sexual abuse charges. Both suspects were taken into custody, and court proceedings are ongoing.
CISO Succession Crisis Highlights How Turnover Amplifies Security Risks
The role of the Chief Information Security Officer has expanded beyond traditional technical responsibilities to include business leadership, risk management, and crisis coordination, placing unprecedented demands on cybersecurity executives. As mergers, acquisitions, and organizational integration accelerate, many CISOs are tasked with aligning security strategy across complex business environments, yet struggle to balance operational execution with strategic leadership. Average CISO tenure now hovers between 18 and 26 months, and nearly half of organizations lack an internal successor, meaning frequent turnover disrupts continuity and amplifies security risk. This succession crisis not only stalls ongoing initiatives but also erodes institutional knowledge, forcing teams to rebuild context and effort with each leadership change, leaving security programs more vulnerable and less resilient.
2025 was a big year for TalkLP, and that only happens because of a curious, outspoken audience and sponsors who believe in real conversations, not canned talking points. You listened, shared, debated, and kept us honest, and you showed up episode after episode.
So naturally, we had to look back and see which conversations you hit play on the most. Below are the Top 10 most-listened-to TalkLP podcasts of 2025, the episodes that sparked the most interest, replayed the most, and stayed in heavy rotation.
Click through to see which ones made the cut and which episode took the number 1 spot!
Starbucks terminates employee over pig drawing incident involving LA County deputy
A Starbucks barista who handed a Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy a coffee cup with a pig drawn on it has been let go, the world-famous coffee house confirmed.
The move came after an internal investigation into the incident that garnered a response from a law enforcement union.
According to Starbucks, the employee who handed the drink to the deputy was separated from the company, though the drawing had been placed on the cup earlier in the day.
Organized retail crime investigations up 31x since Governor Newsom took office
Gavin Newsom today announced that since he took office, organized retail crime investigations at the local and state level have increased by 3,000%, from 24 in 2019 to 734 in 2025, thanks to record state funding and new efforts. Recapping the coordinated work done by state law enforcement officials to take down organized retail crime statewide, the Governor also announced a record number of high-ticket stolen assets recovered – nearly $17 million – over the course of the last 12 months.
Man shot, killed by Gastonia officers was ‘waving gun’ in store, police say
Gastonia police on Tuesday released more information about what led up to the deadly shooting of a man inside a convenience store.
According to police, two officers in plain clothing were doing a compliance check at Jacob’s Food Mart on Gaston Avenue the night of Saturday, Jan. 10. Derrick Manigault went into the store around 5:45 p.m. and was described by officers as being in an “agitated state.”
Manigault was allegedly waving a gun and making “threatening movements.”
Why Open Matters in the Age of AI Video Analytics
Brent Boekestein
VP Enterprise Accounts
OpenEye
Artificial intelligence (AI) creates efficiencies throughout various industries, from managing teams to operating businesses. Key outcomes include faster investigations, fewer false alerts, automated operational checks, and quicker support experiences.
These advancements free up valuable time for users, allowing them to focus on high-impact priorities that drive greater ROI. When it comes to surveillance, AI is most visibly powering a new generation of vision language-powered video analytics, a technology that has adapted systems meant solely for security into solutions capable of identifying actionable insights and streamlining workflows.
When choosing a surveillance system powered by AI, it’s vital to select an open platform. To stay ahead in the fast-moving AI landscape, it’s more important than ever for businesses to choose an open platform that empowers them to adapt and innovate. In contrast to closed systems, an open platform enables flexible integration with existing security and business systems. This offers businesses a greater return on their initial security investment while still providing an adaptable model built for the innovations of tomorrow.
Are Stores Going Too Far With Photos to Prevent Shoplifting?
As organized retail theft continues to challenge stores across California, some retailers are taking unprecedented measures to protect merchandise. Burlington Coat Factory has introduced a system requiring customers to have their photo taken before entering the store. Entry is only allowed once the photo is captured, and the system can flag previous shoplifters to deny access.
While the measure targets repeat offenders, it has sparked criticism from shoppers who feel the process is invasive and treats all customers as potential criminals. Many report that the policy makes them uncomfortable, comparing the experience to airport security measures, and some say it could drive them to competitors such as Ross or TJ Maxx.
5 things police officers need to know about flash mob shoplifting
Flash mob shoplifting is often referenced in broader conversations about organized retail crime, but what qualifies as a flash mob — and how these incidents differ from more typical shoplifting cases — is not always clearly defined.
To address that gap, the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program analyzed five years of National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) data, examining flash mob shoplifting incidents reported between 2020 and 2024.
The report outlines how these incidents are identified, when and where they most often occur, and how they compare to non-flash mob shoplifting cases.
Michigan man sentenced for role in multi-state wire fraud conspiracy in Rhode Island
A Michigan man was sentenced in Rhode Island for his role in a multi-state wire fraud conspiracy that defrauded a retailer of approximately $140,000.
Officials said 27-year-old Mattel Scott of Flint, Michigan was sentenced on Jan. 7 to time served and three years of supervised release.
From June 2022 to April 3, 2024, Scott and co-conspirators used fraudulent debit and credit cards at retail outlets in at least 11 states, including Rhode Island, to buy merchandise and pre-paid gift cards.
Officials said when the fraudulent cards were declined, they directed the cashier to complete the transaction by pushing the “cash tendered” button; however, no cash was tendered.
Fake cash, store returns, and a teen arrest at Marshalls Dartmouth Crossing
Officers responded to a report of fraud at Marshalls, located at 75 Countryview Drive in Dartmouth. Staff reported an employee was accepting counterfeit bills.
The items purchased fraudulently were then reported to be returned to other Marshalls and Winners locations in exchange for legitimate currency. Officers arrested the suspect on scene without incident. The investigation is ongoing.
A 17-year-old youth was scheduled to appear in Halifax provincial youth court at a later date to face charges of fraud under $5000.00 and buy/possess/import counterfeit money (x3).
ROI is the Language of Capital. Here’s How to Speak It
Every loss prevention executive knows the drill. You finally find the right solution to tackle shrink. It’s practical, it’s effective, and it could change the game. But when you sit down with the CFO, the very first question is always the same: what’s the return?
At the APEX conference, Gatekeeper’s Craig Greenberg led a session called Unexpected ROI from Existing Technology. Retail leaders told real stories about how their tools did more than stop theft, improved operational efficiency, kept people safe, and even built stronger ties with the community. The big takeaway was simple: technology is often worth more than the reason you first bought it, and that’s the kind of story that gets noticed in the boardroom.
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