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
LPRC Highlighted on CBS Sunday Morning
It is estimated that tens of billions of dollars’ worth of merchandise is lost to shoplifters each year. CBS Sunday Morning Correspondent Rita Braver visited the Loss Prevention Research Council last week to learn about the work they are doing to help.
Home Depot Employee Fatally Shot While Confronting Shoplifter
A 26-year-old Home Depot employee was fatally shot while confronting an alleged shoplifter armed with a handgun at a California store. The suspected shooter was detained along with an accomplice after fleeing the scene.
$1.65M of Vehicles and Goods Recovered in Cargo Theft Bust
Investigators recovered $1.65 million worth of vehicles and goods in Project Copperhead, an investigation into cargo thefts throughout the York Region and the Greater Toronto Area. Four men have been charged and arrested for the theft.
REI Blames Costly Crime Wave for Pulling Out of Portland
REI Co-op announced it will be closing its only store in Portland at the end of February 2024 when the building’s lease is up. The retailer blamed a crime wave of break-ins and thefts that exceeded all-time highs in 2022.
California Bill Aims to Crack Down on ORC
California lawmakers have introduced a bill that aims to crack down on repeat offenders of ORC. The bill, AB 1708, will either allow a felony or misdemeanor charge for anyone with two or more theft-related convictions.
ORC Suspects Charged with Theft of $76K in Goods from Home Depot
California Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with the California Highway Patrol and other partnering agencies, announced arrests and charges against three individuals involved in a statewide ORC operation.