We know that your week can get busy, and the time you have to catch up on the news from around the retail loss prevention industry is often stolen away by other things. That’s why the LPM team sifts through headlines from all over the country to bring only the most relevant LP news to you here, in our special weekly news round-up—the perfect bookend to a productive week.
Here’s What You May Have Missed
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has proposed a $45 million plan to tackle rising retail theft throughout the state. The plan aims to bolster security measures for businesses and establish task forces within law enforcement that specifically target shoplifters. The legislation also increases penalties for those reselling stolen goods and assaulting retail workers.
Walmart and Target Are Championing a California Ballot Measure That Could Crack Down on Retail Crime
In an effort to crack down on organized retail crime, a ballot measure in California could soon make shoplifting a felony. Target and Walmart are leading the charge, along with two Democratic mayors, to repeal Proposition 47.
Florida Governor Announces Action to Combat Retail Theft
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced proposed legislative action to curb the growing nationwide uptick of retail theft and porch piracy. This could make it a felony to commit retail theft with five or more individuals, and more.
Teen Arrested After Times Square Attack Arrested Again in Macy’s Robbery
A migrant teen arrested and released after the Times Square gang attack on NYPD officers was nabbed again by law enforcement in connection to a recent Macy’s robbery. He was part of a group that robbed the department store in Queens and assaulted an employee.
Convenience Store Operators Grapple With Rising Crime
In the convenience channel today, retail crime, violence, and theft are impacting the industry at unprecedented levels. National crime statistics from the FBI show that 4.5 percent of all reported violent crime in 2022 took place at a gas station or convenience store.
Washington Legislators Take Aim at Pot Smash-and-Grab Burglaries
Pot shop owners across Washington are taking drastic measures to protect their businesses from smash-and-grab thefts, turning their storefronts into fortresses with concrete barricades, metal bollards, and heavy duty platers. Lawmakers are currently considering tougher penalties for these crimes, but cannabis retailers argue it doesn’t go far enough.