In a 2021 report by the National Retail Federation, about 69% of national retailers saw a significant increase in organized retail theft from the previous year. Retailers also see more sophisticated retail theft techniques and an increase in violent activity.
Organized retail theft is the theft of merchandise from a retail establishment in a coordinated manner intended to resell or return items to the store to make money. This type of theft can be done by an individual or a group and can be planned or spontaneous.
A Proposed Bill From Minnesota Lawmakers
Lawmakers are proposing a bill that will address organized retail theft. Currently, organized retail theft is a misdemeanor in Minnesota. The proposed bill would make it a felony to participate in organized retail theft knowingly.
This would increase the penalties to up to five years in prison, a $25,000 fine for a first offense, and up to ten years in prison and a $50,000 fine for a second offense.
As a business owner, you can take steps to protect your business from organized retail theft.
How You Can Protect Your Business
As a result of the increase in organized retail theft activity, retailers are investing in additional security resources to help protect their business. About 50% of retailers say they have invested in technology and equipment, and 43% have reported adding additional security staff.
You can minimize your store’s risk of organized retail theft with added security measures. Studies have found that there is a lower risk of organized retail theft when there are higher security measures in place.
Protect your business by installing security cameras or alarm systems and educating your employees about theft and how to spot suspicious behaviors. You can also add tags to clothing and merchandise or restrict your return policies. Work with your local law enforcement or hire a contract security company, like Talon Premier Security, to augment your current security plan.
Talon Premier Security Services
All agents and officers employed by Talon Premier Security are security professionals who have received extensive security protection and de-escalation training.
Our highest priority is our client’s needs, so we stand ready to provide our clients with everything from unarmed/soft security to high-risk executive protection and everything in between. Here are some of the services we offer for businesses to protect themselves from organized retail theft:
Physical Security
Talon Premier Security offers comprehensive planning, design, and hardware and software integration services customized to meet the requirements of your physical site protection needs. In addition, we are providing protective details for the private security of executives and other high-profile individuals with safety concerns.
Mobile Security Teams
We recognize that each security concern is unique and not always limited to one location. Therefore, the security professionals at Talon Premier Security have established mobile security teams to address unique situations. Our mobile security teams can conduct site visits and patrols to multiple locations within the same shift.
Emergency Response Teams
Talon Premier Security’s trained officers have been thoroughly educated in de-escalation, crowd control, perimeter assessment and establishment, and conflict resolution. Responding with precision, proper risk assessment, and timeliness, our officers, come prepared to handle any emergencies.
De-Escalation & Violence Protection
Talon Premier Security is unique in its ability to guide organizations through the maze of problems centered around, influenced, or caused by aberrant behavior of employees, customers, or other unknown adversaries.
Investigative Services
Businesses in today’s competitive markets are faced with a growing spectrum of concerns. The survival of a company pivots on employee integrity, a safe and secure environment, and product liability. As new legislation is presented to the business community, defining a company’s responsibility has become more complex.
Learn more about Talon Premier Security’s organized retail theft protection and security. Contact us today!
