It seems as if retail’s shoplifting threat isn’t going away anytime soon. New online avenues, such as social media, can function as a communication tool and a vehicle for criminal activity. On the flip side, however, expert investigators are discovering ways to use open-source intelligence techniques to disrupt organized retail crime rings and close cases.
Contributing Writer Garett Seivold examines the practice of using open-source intelligence (OSINT) in criminal investigations in a feature article for the latest issue of LPM Online.
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In the article, Seivold speaks with Rory Stallard, corporate manager for ORC investigations at Home Depot, about the retailer’s efforts to leverage OSINT in recent investigations:
Knowing how to play on criminals’ new turf has thus become a critical skill for ORC investigative units—and doing it successfully has helped Home Depot close cases more quickly, which has helped protect profits and scare off theft rings in search of softer targets. “Complicated cases that used to take years are now closing in months,” explained Stallard. “In order for today’s investigator to keep up with criminals, it’s important to use all available means. Our ORC teams are very well versed in using all types of open‑source intelligence to aid in their investigations. It’s as important for us to spend as much time on the Internet these days as we do out there in the field.”
Check out “Top ORC Units Use Open-Source Intelligence to Close Cases” for practical tips on connecting the dots in ORC investigations, as well as a special primer on bringing OSINT to bear on ORC from Curtis Davis of the LAPD.
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