Latest news with #lossPrevention
CTV News
09-07-2025
- CTV News
Three similar robberies reported in Kitchener and Cambridge in just over an hour
The Waterloo Regional Police Service is investigating three robberies that happened in Cambridge and Kitchener Sunday night. The first incident took place at a business on Ottawa Street South in Kitchener at 10:45 p.m. Police were told four white males walked into the store and stole various goods. When a loss prevention employee tried to stop them, the suspects threatened them before leaving the area. Less than an hour later, at 11:30 p.m., four masked males entered a business on Pinebush Road in Cambridge. They also stole products and threatened employees before leaving in a vehicle. Twenty minutes later, at 11:50 p.m., workers at a third store on Saginaw Parkway in Cambridge reported four males had walked into the store, stolen products, threatened staff and left in a vehicle. Police are investigating all three incidents separately, but they believe there could be a link.
Forbes
26-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Retail Data Collection: Why Loss Management Is Bigger Than ORC
A 30-year veteran in retail technology, Sensormatic Solutions President Tony D'Onofrio is leading the charge to redefine retail. Over the past few years, organized retail crime (ORC) has become retail's most high-profile adversary—rightly so. Loss due to theft and fraud has risen since 2022, with ORC theft becoming the top concern for retailers, according to National Retail Federation data cited by Capital One. This troubling trend puts everyone at risk and threatens to undo the progress retailers have made to improve in-store experiences, so naturally, it has topped headlines and executive priority lists of late. Retailers have invested substantial sums in tools designed to protect merchandise from bad actors, whether through insight or impediment, and many have seen improvements in their loss prevention performance as a result. However, there's more to retail loss than ORC, and retailers can capture more value from these systems when they start looking beyond bad actors and assessing total retail loss. A Tangled Web Retail operations are complicated webs of interconnected processes, priorities and practices. Each decision affects countless other business areas, often in ways that are hard to predict or even see once they happen. That's as true in loss prevention as anywhere else. To successfully tackle ORC, retailers need data and insights to understand sweet-hearting, shipment delays, spoilage and more. They'll need to turn their attention to controlling total retail loss, connecting the dots across their operations to figure out how decisions in each business area drive waste in all the others. Losses—whether in retail or any other industry—come from every area of the enterprise. Yes, missing merchandise and stolen intellectual property drive up losses, but so do plenty of other things, like: • Spoiled or otherwise damaged merchandise • Over- or understocking • Human errors, process inefficiencies and unnoticed delivery discrepancies • Mismanaged labor • Executive decisions • Incidents that damage brand equity Connected systems have made it easier for retailers to understand how all these factors contribute to losses within their operations. But they can only do it when they have a comprehensive record to work from. That can be a problem for retailers who have turned to data for the explicit purpose of combating ORC, as many have done in recent years. When enterprises build systems to solve a specific problem or utilize a specific tool—rather than to gain a defined outcome—they lose out on critical context. Retailers whose systems are laser-focused on criminal activity often omit critical touchpoints and data sources, obscuring the complexity of the ways loss actually happens within their supply chain. They are unable to obtain the comprehensive visibility needed to successfully control crime-related losses and other waste drivers within their operations. More To Manage Without data about all the potential bottlenecks and operational breakdowns that exist in the businesses, it's impossible to conceptualize the actual impact of any single root cause of lost revenue. To take the next step toward controlling ORC and all the other loss drivers within operations, retailers will need to extend data collection and analytics tools to cover new areas of operations. Ideally, retailers will find a way to collect and analyze data about their: • Manufacturing Facilities And Transit Networks: Without insight into how much shrink is related to subpar merchandise, retailers are less prepared to distinguish between stolen products and those that simply needed to be discarded—or never arrived in the first place. • Storage Locations: Mismanaged storage facilities can be hotbeds of labor and inventory losses. If retailers don't know what is in storage or where it's stored, they can't be sure whether lost items are truly gone or just hidden in plain sight. • Policies, Processes And Best Practices: Back-end challenges tend to show up in sales records and customer satisfaction performance. Manual cycle counts, inaccurate or inefficient tagging, and ineffective people management contribute to lost productivity and revenue. • Corporate Oversight: Accountability from top to bottom is key to holistic understanding. Executives and decision-makers need to find ways to track and quantify the impacts of their technology, people management and process decisions as precisely as they do inventory or associates' hours to get a sense of how their actions drive waste. • Shoppers' Behaviors And Sentiments: When losses seem to be spiking, 'red' shoppers might not be to blame. Well-intentioned consumers might be leading to dipping sales or higher-than-average inventory losses. Even the best-meaning visitors can inadvertently damage inventory; it's a loss, but it's not malicious nor criminal. Along the same lines, failing to meet customer expectations can turn into reputational damage and lagging performance. Though addressing the drivers of loss is complex, getting started on the journey is relatively simple. Retailers don't need new technologies; they just need to take full advantage of what they're already using to turn in-store operations into data-driven insights, like radio-frequency identification (RFID) and video analytics. By bringing together data from across the business, retailers can see more clearly how, when and where losses happen. From there, they can find the right balance within their overall loss prevention strategy, giving each driver of loss its due based on its relative impact on the business. And, sure, some will find that combating theft should continue to be a top priority. More will find that bad actors are a smaller problem than they thought—or that changes to an area of the businesses they hadn't considered can help control losses more effectively than more direct tactics. Regardless of which group a retailer falls into, they will no doubt uncover opportunities to do better for their shoppers and the business. Holistic Insight For Holistic Improvement Addressing the challenge of ORC means broadening retailers' perspectives of loss. Retailers will need to embrace a comprehensive approach that extends beyond traditional theft prevention strategies to quantify and contextualize total retail losses. This broader perspective will enhance their ability to combat waste, no matter where it starts, paving the way for end-to-end efficiency, better decision-making, happier customers and stronger bottom lines. Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify?
CBS News
14-06-2025
- CBS News
Viral video shows alleged shoplifter's encounter with Vacaville Nugget Market employee
VACAVILLE -- A viral video on social media shows a woman accused of stealing from a Nugget Market in Vacaville being restrained by a loss prevention associate. Vacaville police reported that a representative of the Nugget Market on Browns Valley Parkway requested to make a citizen's arrest on behalf of the business and signed a private person's arrest form, formally requesting prosecution. According to police, it was for an alleged theft of $10.99 worth of baked goods. The encounter shined a spotlight on the store's theft prevention policies, with the most commonly asked question online being: Is this too far? The video shows the woman calling for help while the loss prevention associate attempts to detain her. A customer, outside the store where the detainment happened, called 911 to report what was going on. "She wasn't going anywhere. She was just standing there. She was trying to figure out what was going on," said Shahid Sadiq, the man recording the now-viral encounter that has amassed more than 10 million views in two days. "She's terrified. Even if she stole, she's still terrified." Sadiq explained to CBS Sacramento why he started filming in the first place, saying, "I thought he was some random guy attacking a woman in the parking lot." He said that he just wanted the employee to let go of the woman. "It was jarring," Sadiq said. "The attitude, the language, the whole demeanor of the staff, it's so ugly." Sadiq kept filming the interaction, which shows the loss prevention officer grabbing the woman's arm while she holds a child, with another by her side. Another bystander comes into frame and is seen helping the woman and children, moving them out of the path of traffic in the parking lot. The video later shows the moment the loss prevention associate lets go, and the woman sits on the ground until Vacaville police arrive. "I just wanted him to let go of her," Sadiq said. "When the police arrive, she gets off the ground and runs to the police officer. That's not something a thief does. That's not something a criminal does." A spokesperson for Nugget Market shared a statement with CBS Sacramento on Friday. "As soon as we were made aware of the situation, we immediately began gathering information. Please know that we are looking into this in great detail and working with the local police." According to Vacaville police, under California law, when store personnel witness a theft and request to press charges, officers are obligated to act if there is confirmation that a crime took place. Lt. Chris Lechuga added that agents employed by a merchant may use a reasonable amount of force to detain a person suspected of shoplifting, in this case, for a reasonable amount of time. "Many merchants have loss prevention programs. Each of those are unique in terms of their policies and procedures in terms of those programs," he said. The City of Vacaville partners with several organizations for anyone seeking assistance related to food or shelter insecurity. More information can be obtained by contacting the City's Community Response Unit.
Associated Press
11-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
The Integritus Group a Division of SEMM Holdings Launches XceptView: Video Intelligence Built for Independent Retail, Food & Beverage, and Convenience Store Operators
New York, NY June 11, 2025 --( )-- SEMM Holdings, a trusted leader in operational excellence, compliance, and profit protection, today announced the launch of XceptView, a powerful new solution tailored to the needs of independent retailers, hospitality businesses, and convenience store owners. This offering transforms existing video systems into strategic business tools—no new hardware or software required. XceptView empowers operators to identify risk, reduce shrink, and strengthen operations by turning passive video surveillance into meaningful, actionable insight. The Integritus Groups team of experts navigates the complex maze of video and transactional information, distilling it into crystal-clear intelligence that drives smarter decisions across the organization. 'Independent operators often feel like they're flying blind when it comes to shrink, operational inconsistency, or identifying total retail loss,' said Kevin O'Brien, EVP of Business Development at SEMM Holdings. 'It's about taking the systems and various mounds of data they already have and turning them into a true strategic advantage—without adding to their workload or their technology budget.' The Integritus Group Retail Risk Consulting: Insight Without the Overhead At the core of XceptView is The Integritus Group's Retail Risk Consulting, a hands-on, expert-led service designed to help operators pinpoint vulnerabilities and build customized loss prevention strategies. By leveraging existing video and transaction systems, The Integritus Group delivers targeted, data-backed recommendations to help safeguard profits and reduce risk—without requiring new tech investments or disrupting daily operations. Their expert-led video verification services uncover potential hidden loss and provide valuable behavior insights, enabling proactive and informed decision-making. Built for Independent Operators No New Technology Required – Works seamlessly with your current video infrastructure. Expert-Driven Results – Certified professionals in loss prevention, behavioral analysis, and POS review. Actionable Intelligence – Insights delivered clearly and efficiently to help you make fast, confident decisions. Flexible and Scalable – Ideal for independents, franchises, and multi-unit operators. Experience XceptView at NRF Protect The Integritus Group will showcase live demonstrations of XceptView during the NRF Protect Conference, June 23–25, within SEMM Holdings Booth #100. Attendees will experience firsthand how existing video systems can become a vital asset in protecting revenue and improving operations. About SEMM Holdings The SEMM Holdings Brands (The Integritus Group, Learn it Media and Pharma Compliance Group) empowers businesses through innovative compliance, safety, and profit protection solutions. With deep industry knowledge and a commitment to operational clarity, SEMM helps brands of all sizes operate with greater control and confidence. Media Contact: Kevin O'Brien EVP Business Development SEMM Holdings [email protected] [email protected] Contact Information: SEMMM Holdings Kevin O'Brien 781-727-2250 Contact via Email Read the full story here: The Integritus Group a Division of SEMM Holdings Launches XceptView: Video Intelligence Built for Independent Retail, Food & Beverage, and Convenience Store Operators Press Release Distributed by
Zawya
03-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: Shoprite's Usave stores boosts energy efficiency, food quality with smart tech
Usave, Shoprite Group's no-frills discount stores, recently introduced an advanced loss prevention system designed to reduce costs and boost operational efficiency in its supermarkets - helping the retailer to continue delivering the lowest prices to customers. This is in response to South Africa's rising energy prices. Implemented in partnership with 100% South African tech company Azoteq, the customised system employs SmartSense technology to track power consumption and facilitate rotational switching of store equipment during power outages, utilising inverters and battery banks. It is especially critical for Usave's rural and peri-urban stores, where the electricity supply is often erratic and extended outages are a regular challenge. 'This pioneering work showcases how our real-time, proactive use of innovative, locally developed technology, combined with a strong focus on operational excellence and cost savings, helps us prevent unnecessary waste and reduce shrinkage-related costs - efficiencies that allow us to pass even more value and savings directly to our customers,' says Dewaldo Diedericks, general manager of Usave. The system monitors temperatures in critical areas, like cold storage, freezer rooms, and the sales floor, and issues alerts when predetermined thresholds are surpassed, thereby preventing spoilage and optimising energy consumption of equipment in these areas. Data is delivered through a user-friendly dashboard that equips management with real-time insights to enhance decision-making, ensure improved food quality, and prevent costly equipment failures. Generator runtime and fuel levels are also tracked, enabling the business to follow more efficient servicing and refueling schedules. In this way, Usave avoids unnecessary maintenance, further reduces costs, and minimises the likelihood of unexpected outages in instances where a switchover to a generator is necessitated. To generate additional savings, Usave supermarkets also regularly simulate power outages at supermarkets on time-of-use (ToU) tariff structures, switching over to battery during peak times when electricity is more costly, and charging the batteries during off-peak times. 'We have been able to respond and prevent freezer failures as they occur, achieving a 0% rate of stock loss across all stores where this system has been implemented to date. In addition, the seamless, automated transition from generator power to hybrid inverter and battery power during outages has saved the business more than 80,000 hours worth of costly services and fossil fuel consumption,' adds Diedericks. Already running at 202 locations, Usave plans to equip all its stores with SmartSense technology, gradually replacing older uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems. As part of its sustainability efforts, the discount retailer is also gradually incorporating solar energy into its operational strategy at its already compatible hybrid system stores
