LPM “Magpie” Awards: Applauding Excellence

The LPM “Magpie” Awards offer a means to celebrate industry accomplishments on an ongoing basis, recognizing the loss prevention professionals, teams, solution providers, law enforcement partners, and others that demonstrate a stellar contribution to the profession.

The ability to influence change is a product of drive, creativity, and determination, but it also requires a unique ability to create a shared vision that others will understand, respect, support, and pursue. Each of the following recipients reflects that standard of excellence, representing the quality and spirit of leadership that makes a difference in our lives, our people, and our programs. Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of our latest honorees.

Excellence in Partnerships

Steve Hyle, Vice President, Director of National Accounts, AFA Protective Systems

“It was during my tenure in retail loss prevention that I discovered my passion for finding solutions to promote sales and better protect assets and people,” said Hyle. “During my retail career, I was truly fortunate to work with a number of highly respected solution providers that were instrumental in providing the knowledge and support to help me succeed. Through these relationships, I discovered the tools, techniques, and skills to make a positive difference in my company and my career.

“I’ve always considered sincerity to be an important virtue in business and in life. Sincerity provides the foundation for establishing trust and honesty in any relationship. A true solution provider is also a genuine business partner, striving to build relationships and dedicated to both achieving success in business as well as the growth and development of those involved. They’re unselfish and eager to share their knowledge for the benefit of others. They want to make a positive difference.

“Successful partnerships require mutual commitment and accountability. Like any relationship, the growth and longevity of a partnership is measured by the extent to which both parties are committed to support each other and deliver on the promises made along the way. Be thoughtful and sincere when making promises to others and always follow through on your commitments regardless of their importance.”

Excellence in Partnerships

Curt Crum, CID, Special Services Manager: Evidence, Forensics, and Victim Services; Organized Retail Crime, Boise (ID) Police Department

“I’ve had the great fortune to work in proactive, problem-solving positions most of my career,” said Crum, who also serves as board president for the Coalition of Law Enforcement and Retail (CLEAR). “After being selected as the Crime Prevention Unit supervisor in 1990, I started work on the development of our ORC Interdiction Team. Like anything new, it was an uphill battle getting all the necessary stakeholders to buy into the scope of this issue and how people committing ORC crimes relate to every other crime we deal with, from homicide to car theft. After numerous noteworthy cases that led to significant arrests, my commanders gave full support to this program and have continued to support these efforts with resources and manpower.

“I’ve been able to train law enforcement and loss prevention officers all over the country on how our LP/law enforcement partnership was developed and how it currently operates. When building these partnerships, it’s critical to have trust, respect, commitment, and a common goal. Each stakeholder needs to respect the ‘rule book’ that the other must follow. Law enforcement and loss prevention have different mandates, but these partnerships can be mutually beneficial if we respect each other and work together. This was a long, slow process. But like any relationship, building a solid foundation has proven itself time and again.”

Nominations Are Encouraged at Excellence@LPportal.com

We want this to be your program. Those of you working as LP practitioners witness these exceptional performances on a regular and ongoing basis, and we strongly encourage you to provide us with nominees for each of the award categories. We encourage creative nominations and want the program to cast a positive light on the many tremendous contributions of the loss prevention community. Nominations can be submitted via email to excellence@LPportal.com.