Coming soon, Retail’s Most Wanted, examining the latest issues related to organized retail crime and how retailers and policy makers are fighting against today’s organized crime syndicates. Guests will include attorneys general from across the country plus retail crime prevention and security experts including some of the biggest players in the industry to give us an inside look at what they’re up against and how they are fighting back.

In the premiere episode of Retail’s Most Wanted, Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes talks about the growing issue of organized retail crime, his first-in-the-nation task force to combat it and how ORC funds broader criminal enterprises. Reyes is joined by retail security expert, Mike Combs, recently retired as head of asset protection at Home Depot, who explains how criminals running out of stores with bundles of merchandise aren’t always getting away with a crime. Marty Carpenter and Dave Studdert also look at some recent ORC headlines.

In this episode of Retail’s Most Wanted, we look at a framework used to understand and prevent retail crime. Our guest is Dr. Reid Hayes, who serves as director of the Loss Prevention Research Council. With over 30 years of experience in law enforcement, retail, and research, Dr. Hayes shares key strategies for reducing theft, fraud, and violence in the retail industry. LPRC Website

Episode 3 of Retail’s Most Wanted features Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares discussing the strides his administration has made in addressing organized retail crime, including creating legislation that classifies these offenses as a felony.

General Miyares provides insight into forming a collaborative working group of pertinent perspectives and explains why ORC can never be called a victimless crime.

Despite being a top destination for business, Georgia faces a $3 billion annual problem due to the rise of organized retail crime. Attorney General Carr advocates for a comprehensive approach, emphasizing the importance of public-private partnerships, effective training for law enforcement, and active involvement of the general public.

Highlighting the interconnected criminal elements associated with ORC, General Carr dispels the notion of victimless retail crime and stresses its ties to gang activity, human trafficking, and money laundering. He underscores Georgia's commitment to protecting citizens and their property by prosecuting illegal enterprise without a minimum threshold.

In Retail’s Most Wanted Episode 5, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul details the alarming threat of organized retail crime to communities, customers, and tax revenue. The podcast explores the brazen and violent nature of these crimes, prompting store closures, instilling fear, and driving a shift to online shopping. General Raoul's proactive measures, including the establishment of the Organized Retail Crime Task Force and legislative initiatives, showcase Illinois' comprehensive approach.

In recent years, the United States has witnessed a concerning surge in organized retail crime, affecting both small businesses and large corporations alike. ORC impacts not only the economic stability of enterprises but has also led to profound consequences for communities across the nation. In this episode of Retail’s Most Wanted, Tom Wickham of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce shares firsthand accounts of business owners and discusses measures being taken by policymakers and organizations to address the growing problem.

In episode 7, we explore the complexities of organized retail crime (ORC) from an industry perspective with Paul Jaeckle, vice president for asset protection at Meijer. We delve into the evolving landscape of ORC and the strategies employed by retailers to address this growing issue.

Far from being a stand alone offense, the intricate web of organized retail crime (ORC) is invariably connected to more sinister activities and has significant impact on businesses and communities. In this episode, Michigan Assistant Attorney General Eric Sterbis emphasizes the importance of collaboration and proactive measures in combating rising ORC.

Organized Retail Crime (ORC) poses a significant challenge to communities and businesses, not only in Georgia but across the nation. Episode 9 explores the gravity of the issue, its impact on the economy, and Georgia’s ongoing efforts to combat it.

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan illuminates the ongoing battle against organized retail crime (ORC) in Southern California, particularly in San Diego County. With over three million residents, San Diego County faces unique challenges in combating ORC syndicates, many of which originate from Los Angeles and other states. DA Stephan advocates for greater collaboration and legislative change.

Established over 70 years ago, the California District Attorney's Association (CDAA) represents 3,500 prosecutors statewide, including 56 elected district attorneys. Beyond professional training, the association serves as a vital advocacy platform, engaging with policymakers on issues crucial to law enforcement and crime victims. In episode 11, we speak with Greg Totten, CEO at the CDAA, about their work to revise Proposition 47 in pursuit of improved public safety.

The Georgia Retailers Organized Crime Alliance (GROC) began in 2012 in response to the surge in smash-and-grab incidents plaguing Atlanta. The collaborative effort between retailers, legislators, and law enforcement agencies has evolved into a formidable alliance dedicated to bridging the gap between various stakeholders in the retail ecosystem. In today’s episode, Chad McManus, chair of GROC brings an expert business perspective to the fight against organized retail crime.

In episode 13, we talk with Jason Bier, president of Treuth, a public benefit corporation focused on building community safety through innovative software. The Treuth platform, initially aimed at combating organized retail crime (ORC), has evolved to address broader crime prevention and prosecution challenges.

District Attorney Jeff Reisig of Yolo County, California, is at the forefront of innovative criminal justice reform, focusing on redirecting individuals from the criminal justice system into community-based programs. During his tenure, he has spearheaded various projects, including the development of neighborhood and mental health courts, aimed at addressing the underlying factors contributing to organized retail crime (ORC), such as socioeconomic disparities and mental health issues.

Episode 15 features a conversation with David Johnston, vice president of asset protection and retail operations for the National Retail Federation on the evolution of challenges in loss prevention over the past three decades. Johnston highlights the shift in theft landscape, particularly the rise of organized retail crime, which now includes not only shoplifting but also cargo theft, e-commerce fraud, and digital currency crimes.