Roseville DA Drops Hammer On Alleged $700K Bay Area Fencing Ring
Prosecutors in Northern California announced charges tied to an alleged retail theft fencing operation believed to have moved more than $700,000 in stolen merchandise across the Bay Area. Investigators say the operation relied on organized theft crews who targeted retailers and funneled stolen goods through a resale network for profit. The case highlights how theft does not end at the store exit but continues through coordinated distribution channels. Authorities framed the prosecution as part of a broader effort to disrupt organized retail crime at the financial and logistical level.
Convenience store clerk shot 17 times trying to break up fight between customers: cops
A convenience store clerk was fatally shot after attempting to intervene in a physical altercation between customers inside the store. Authorities say the clerk was trying to de-escalate the situation when the confrontation turned violent. The incident underscores the extreme risks frontline retail workers face when stepping into customer conflicts. Law enforcement officials reiterated that employees should prioritize personal safety and avoid physically intervening in volatile situations.
Counterfeit cash printing operation busted in Detroit after spike in fake $100 bills leads to investigation
Detroit investigators dismantled a counterfeit cash printing operation after retailers and banks reported a sharp increase in fake $100 bills circulating in the area. The investigation traced the counterfeit currency back to a local production and distribution setup. Authorities seized printing equipment, materials, and large quantities of fraudulent bills during the operation. Officials warned businesses to remain vigilant as counterfeit schemes often spike during high-volume retail periods.
Riding along with LASD's Retail Theft Task Force
Los Angeles County deputies provided an inside look at their retail theft task force as it works to combat organized theft networks across the region. The unit focuses on repeat offenders, coordinated crews, and resale operations rather than isolated theft incidents. Deputies emphasized the importance of intelligence sharing, surveillance, and partnerships with retailers. The report illustrates how retail theft enforcement has evolved into a long-term strategy aimed at dismantling criminal infrastructure, not just making arrests.
Retail theft operation leads to 25 arrests on first day in Sacramento County
A coordinated retail theft enforcement operation in Sacramento County resulted in 25 arrests on its first day, signaling an aggressive push against organized retail crime. Multiple agencies worked together to target repeat offenders, fencing activity, and theft rings operating across city and county lines. Law enforcement officials emphasized that the operation focused on accountability rather than isolated shoplifting incidents. The early results were positioned as proof that sustained, multi-agency collaboration can quickly produce measurable outcomes.
Shrink isn’t the only thing on pause this season. When the inbox quiets down and the couch calls, even the TalkLPnews crew swaps industry insights for popcorn. Here’s what we’re streaming over the holidays, plus the one quote from each movie that still lives rent-free in our heads. Grab a blanket, pick a side, and judge us accordingly.
Amber Bradley, Editor-in-Chief
Love Actually
Favorite Quote: Jamie: [in English] It's my favorite time of day, driving you.
Aurelia: [in Portuguese] It's the saddest part of my day, leaving you.
David George, Executive Editor
4 Christmases
Favorite Quote: "If you think I'm gonna allow a sex predator in a uniform to wander around my house and touch my underwear, you... you got another thing coming!" – Robert Duvall as Howard
Ryan Bauss, Vice President
Elf
Favorite Quote: “As you can imagine, it’s dangerous having an oven in an oak tree during the dry season.”
Andy McWaters, Creative Director
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
Favorite Quote: "If I woke up tomorrow with my head sewn to the carpet I wouldn’t be more surprised than I am right now."
Suspect arrested after Walmart customers report finding hidden razor blades in purchased bread
A woman accused of placing razor blades in multiple loaves of bread at two Walmart stores in Mississippi was arrested Tuesday, officials said, according to Fox 26 Houston.
The Biloxi Police Department identified the suspect as 33-year-old Camille Benson, of Texas, who was charged with attempted mayhem, the local station said. She is currently in jail with a bond set at $100,000, the outlet added.
Over the course of more than a week, several customers reportedly found razor blades in their purchased bread at two nearby locations, a Walmart Supercenter and a Walmart Neighborhood Market.
'STOP THE SCAMS': South Floridians lost $12M to scams as FL tops nation for fraud reports
Scammers posing as government officials are draining wallets across Florida, with South Floridians losing more than $12 million to impersonation schemes in 2024.
Florida now ranks first in the nation for fraud reports per capita, according to the Federal Trade Commission, and officials say the problem is only getting worse.
"'Tis the season for scamming," said Mike Caruso, Palm Beach County Clerk of Court and Comptroller.
"Scammers are targeting people in Palm Beach County and in our area codes here, as they know that people with money might become susceptible to their scams," Caruso said.
Amazon Workers Walk Off Job at California Warehouse
Workers at an Amazon warehouse in Riverside, California, staged a walkout protest on the early hours of Tuesday, December 16, calling for fairer pay, and the right to unionize.
“Amazon workers keep this company running. For too long it has failed as an employer. By standing together, workers at DJT6 and elsewhere are showing we’re ready to fight for the respect and dignity we deserve,” the union campaign said.
Video here, from the Party for Socialism and Liberation, shows protesters.
“Amazon is a TRILLION-dollar company, thanks only to the hard work of its employees. Workers deserve fair pay!”
FaceFirst®: Built to Layer - Supporting Retailer’s Loss Prevention Ecosystem
FaceFirst® doesn’t replace your loss prevention stack; it elevates it. It strengthens what’s already working, unites what’s been siloed, and turns disconnected systems into a cohesive, insight-driven network.
In today’s retail environment, no single solution can stand alone. Shrink reduction, safety, and operational efficiency come from how well your technologies work together.
That’s why the best loss prevention ecosystems don’t rely on a single platform; they rely on seamless layers of intelligence.
FaceFirst® layers nicely.
Unlike other systems that force retailers into closed environments or rigid data workflows, and eliminates their current investment in multiple security solutions. FaceFirst® complements your existing solutions, from license plate readers, Purchek® pushout prevention and case management systems — to assist in identifying repeat offenders and build more actionable cases. The result is a smarter, more connected approach to loss prevention that amplifies the value of every layer you already have in place.
Retail Executives Testify on Organized Retail Theft
Retail leaders from Target, American Eagle, and the American Trucking Association appeared before the House Judiciary Committee’s Crime and Federal Government Surveillance Subcommittee to address the growing impact of organized retail theft. Executives described how coordinated theft networks extend beyond stores, moving through supply chains, transportation routes, and resale markets. Testimony emphasized the strain retail crime places on employee safety, inventory availability, and operating costs. Industry leaders called for stronger collaboration between retailers, law enforcement, and federal agencies. The hearing signaled increasing congressional attention on retail theft as both a business and public safety issue.
FDA sends warning letters to retailers for selling recalled baby formula linked to botulism outbreak
The US Food and Drug Administration sent warning letters to Target, Walmart, Kroger and Albertsons after some of the stores failed to remove recalled baby formula linked to a large infant botulism outbreak.
The FDA said it communicated with the retailers about the recall repeatedly, even sending several emails requesting plans of action to comply with the recall, but none of the companies responded to the request.
"Food safety is a shared responsibility, and it is of utmost importance that all parties in the supply chain act swiftly and vigilantly to protect our nation's children from unsafe food," FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary said in a statement.
Counterfeits, Theft and Terror: The Hidden Cost of Illicit Trade
It helps fund terrorist organizations like Hezbollah and Hamas. One of the terrorists responsible for the deadly Charlie Hebdo attack in Paris used it to pay for his weapons. It’s part of the same network of narco-criminals bringing deadly fentanyl into the United States.
And it’s happening in your community — perhaps right in your office or on your laptop.
It’s the growing market for illicit goods, which ranges from counterfeit products to intellectual property (IP) theft to consumer products stolen through organized retail crime.
American businesses lose an estimated $225 billion to $600 billion each year to IP theft.
Loss Prevention is rapidly changing. Executives are asking LP professionals to provide more value beyond safety, security, and shrink savings to the business. From people and traffic analytics to solution provider management and marketing promotions to operational efficiencies. We want to hear from you! Take 3 minutes to answer our 5-question survey.
Customer Service Company Warns of Tsunami of Post-Holiday Returns
An e-commerce customer service support company is predicting a 45% increase in customer returns following Christmas, a development that will tax many retailers’ support systems and erode their holiday profits.
“The 45% increase in returns directly causes support teams to slow down, with the time taken to solve an issue climbing by 28%,” Dublin, Ireland-based eDesk said in a statement released Monday.
“This drop in service is more than just frustrating; it’s a hidden cost that reduces holiday earnings and risks losing loyal customers.”
Video Surveillance to Reduce Product Shrink
Retail businesses face diverse challenges every day, from inventory loss to theft to operational inefficiencies. Cloud video surveillance provides powerful tools and features built to improve incident response, streamline investigations, and enhance workflows for better profits and safer stores.
These advanced capabilities help uncover actionable insights into retail operations, helping take business to the next level. With a complete cloud video platform, retailers can improve loss prevention efforts, keep an eye on operations from any location, and enhance customer experience.
The Market Investigator is responsible for protecting company assets by identifying, investigating, and resolving incidents of theft, fraud, and operational non-compliance across multiple retail locations within a designated market. This role supports shrink reduction strategies through auditing, proactive surveillance, exception-based reporting, and collaboration with store teams and law enforcement. The Market Investigator ensures a safe and secure environment for employees and customers while promoting a culture of integrity and accountability. This position will report directly to the Zone Asset Protection Director or Regional Asset Protection Manager and will interface frequently with Field Managers and Corporate Business Partners.
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