Walmart employee dies after being struck by shoplifting suspect
A 69-year-old Walmart employee was fatally injured after being struck by a fleeing shoplifting suspect in the store’s parking lot. The incident occurred when the suspect, already under suspicion for theft, drove into a group at the entrance, hitting the employee and another coworker. The victim later died of complications from his injuries, prompting a criminal investigation. Authorities have charged the suspect with assault and other offenses, and the case underscores growing risks faced by retail workers confronting theft.
Former Employee Indicted for Alleged $1.2-Million Theft
A former employee was indicted on charges of embezzling approximately $1.2 million from their organization. Prosecutors allege the individual manipulated internal controls and approved unauthorized reimbursements and transfers for personal gain. The indictment details months of fraudulent activity and demands restitution alongside possible prison time. The case highlights the vulnerability of nonprofit institutions to internal financial abuse and the importance of oversight.
6 dead, 25 hospitalized in nationwide listeria outbreak linked to precooked pasta meals
Federal health authorities confirmed a nationwide outbreak of Listeria infections that has killed six people and hospitalized 25, traced to contaminated precooked frozen food products. Investigators identified the outbreak strain and issued a recall of the affected items, urging consumers to dispose of them. The companies involved are working with regulators to trace the production and distribution chain, while hospitals treat severely ill patients, including pregnant women and elderly individuals. The outbreak reinforces the need for stringent food-safety protocols and rapid response mechanisms in the supply chain.
Hackers, Crime Rings Team Up on Cargo Theft, Report Finds
Recent cybersecurity research reveals that hackers are teaming with organized crime groups to hijack physical cargo shipments through cyber infiltration of freight-broker and carrier systems. Attackers use phishing, credential theft, and remote-access malware to reroute or misdirect shipments of high-value goods, then sell or smuggle them overseas. The trend has contributed to a significant uptick in cargo-theft losses, with experts warning that the logistics sector is unprepared for the convergence of cyber and physical crime. Companies involved in transportation and retail are urged to bolster both digital defenses and physical security protocols.
New laws result in California cracking down on organized retail theft with 800 arrests
In California, law-enforcement agencies arrested 800 individuals involved in organized retail theft as part of newly enacted laws designed to combat large-scale shoplifting rings. The crackdown targeted syndicates operating across multiple counties and retail chains, seizing stolen merchandise and vehicles used for heists. The effort marks one of the largest coordinated retail-crime sweeps in the state’s history and signals tougher penalties and stronger enforcement going forward. Retailers and security experts view the action as a shift toward holding theft networks accountable rather than treating incidents as isolated misdemeanors.
Oscar Mejia Promoted to Senior Director, Asset Protection & Safety at ALO
Oscar Mejia
Sr. Director, AP & Safety | ALO
Congratulations to Oscar Mejia, who has been promoted to Senior Director of Asset Protection & Safety at ALO.
Since joining ALO in 2024, Oscar has been instrumental in building a bespoke global Asset Protection program that strengthens safety, compliance, and operational excellence across the brand’s growing retail footprint. His leadership reflects nearly two decades of progressive experience with companies including Equinox, 24 Hour Fitness, Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, and JCPenney, where he developed a reputation for innovative risk management, emergency preparedness, and team development.
Oscar’s promotion highlights ALO’s continued investment in safety and security as critical pillars of the brand’s growth.
Good Samaritan gives police officer a ride to catch shoplifters
Police Sergeant Jeff Kahrs was called out to a shoplifting at Dillard's store in Slidell, Louisiana, on Nov. 2, 2025.
When the shoplifter, later identified as Kelsey Baird, 34, spotted the officer, she discarded the items she was attempting to steal and tried to leave the store.
Sergeant Kahrs attempted to stop Baird, who fled the store and got into a car where her friend, Eric Boudreaux, 43, was waiting in the getaway car before driving away.
California Regulators Fine Costco More Than $800,000 for Drivers’ Owed Wages
State labor regulators have found Costco, the membership-only wholesale retailer, liable for the underpayment of dozens of delivery drivers in the San Diego region.
The California Labor Commissioner jointly cited Costco Wholesale Corporation, a delivery contractor and a trucking subcontractor, for nearly $870,000, according to an announcement Thursday.
AI-washing and the massive layoffs hitting the economy
Corporate America is getting rocked by historic rounds of white-collar layoffs, leading some to wonder: Has AI finally come for their jobs?
While generative and agentic AI is playing a role, recent job cut announcements from companies like Amazon , UPS and Target are about a lot more than just the advance of new technology.
The firms, which each announced layoffs in recent weeks totaling more than 60,000 roles eliminated this year, said they’re trying to cut corporate bloat and streamline operations.
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The lines are blurring between retail and foodservice — and that’s a good thing
If you’ve walked into a grocery store lately, you’ve probably noticed it doesn’t just look like a grocery store anymore. There’s a coffee bar by the entrance, maybe a sushi counter in the back, and customers sitting down to eat meals they didn’t have to cook — or even leave the store to get.
On the flip side, restaurants are acting more like retailers — selling branded sauces, meal kits and even merchandise right alongside the menu.
What’s happening here isn’t just a trend. It’s a transformation.
Retailers trace ransomware incidents to unknown security gaps as demands and payments rise
A new Sophos report, involving a survey of 361 IT and cybersecurity leaders across 16 countries, reveals that 46% of retail ransomware incidents were traced to an unknown security gap.
Among organizations that had data encrypted, 58% paid the ransom to get their data back - the second highest payment rate in five years.
In the past year, the Sophos X-Ops has observed nearly 90 distinct threat groups target one or more retailers with ransomware or extortion across leak sites.
Survey shows workers believe employers value profits over safety
More than half of workers say safety takes a back seat to profits at their current job, results of a recent survey show.
Brady, an industrial and safety printing systems and solutions company, asked 1,000 adult workers about both physical safety concerns on the job (such as building security, emergency preparedness and equipment hazards) and psychological safety concerns (including harassment, stress and trust in management).
Results show that 54% of the workers don’t “fully trust” their company’s leadership or human resources department to create a safe work environment.
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How AI in fire safety is transforming risk prevention and protection
Artificial intelligence is transforming how organisations manage safety, and fire safety is one of the sectors benefitting most. From predictive analytics and intelligent fire detection to automated response planning, AI in fire safety is helping to prevent incidents before they occur.
Platforms such as fire risk assessment software now enable fire safety professionals to interpret historical fire data, assess potential fire hazards, and implement preventive measures that reduce risks across commercial and public environments.
Pros and Cons of Wall Mounted vs. Door Mounted Exit Alarms
When it comes to securing your facility, exit alarms play an important role in alerting staff when a restricted or emergency door is opened. These devices are commonly used in retail, healthcare, education, and other industries where security and safety are critical.
But when choosing an exit alarm, one common decision you’ll face is how to mount it: directly on the door or on the wall beside it. Each option has advantages and drawbacks, and the right choice depends on your application, environment, and priorities.
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