Data breaches increase 40 percent in 2016
The Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) released a report yesterday highlighting that the number of U.S. data breaches tracked in 2016 hit an all-time record high of 1,093. The ITRC points out that this represents a spike of 40 percent over the near record high of 780 that were reported in 2015. The ITRC is asking the question, “Are there actually more breaches, or is it that more states are making this information available? [For more: Yahoo Finance]
Stolen credit-card ring busted in Michigan
Four Chicago residents have been arrested for trying to use stolen credit cards to buy cigarettes in Michigan to be resold in Chicago. One has been sentenced to two years in prison while the remaining three have been convicted and are awaiting sentencing. Police found 68 cartons of cigarettes, worth about $4,080. Along with 171 credit cards in the subjects possession as well as their vehicle. [For more: Mlive]
Eyeglass retail giant in $49 billion merger
Luxottica Group, operating the brands of LensCrafters, Sunglass Hut, Oliver Peoples, and Pearle Vision, has announced that they will merge with Essilor International of France in a $49B deal. The new company will be called EssilorLuxottica and will have combined revenues of $16B. 140,000 employees, and sales in 150 countries. [Chain Store Age]
. [For more: Chain Store Age]
Run over a cop; get a ride to jail
A Tennessee woman who allegedly shoplifted from Walmart has been taken into custody and charged with theft by shoplifting; aggravated assault; driving on a suspended license and criminal trespass. The woman allegedly hit an off duty police officer who was attempting to stop the woman for shoplifting. The officer was behind the vehicle trying to get the license information when she backed in to him, striking him on the left side.  [For more: Daily Post-Athenian]
Police ask for help identifying man accused of assaulting loss prevention agent
In Spartanburg, South Carolina, police are asking for help in identifying a man they say attacked a Belk loss prevention officer. Reports indicate that the officer was assaulted when they were trying to apprehend the individual. Anyone with information is asked to call Investigator Gallman, Spartanburg PD. [For more: WYFF4News]