Parting Words

Jacque Brittain, LPC

Building on What We Do Best

Cargo theft spiked during the pandemic, with greater focus on “pilferage” thefts targeting specific goods rather than full truckloads, emphasizing faster turnover of stolen goods and lowering risks. In the past twenty-four months, we have faced events that have redefined the business of retail and the face of loss prevention. Change has brought new challenges but also different perspectives on old problems.

Cargo theft spiked during the pandemic, with greater focus on “pilferage” thefts targeting specific goods rather than full truckloads. Counterfeit goods pose threats from lost sales to brand protection as markets are flooded with false and inferior products. And organized retail crime (ORC) is climbing to new heights, with brazen thefts and massive cases. Management of illicit goods has grown more sophisticated, aided by the Internet and online marketplaces that bring stolen products directly to customers.

ORC is now a national conversation among retailers, law enforcement, and legislators. Multimillion-dollar cases have become commonplace, peeling back the onion of sophisticated criminal operations that thrive on poorly written laws, overworked retail investigators and law enforcement agents, and public ignorance of the problem. But positive steps are being taken to address these concerns and move us in the right direction.

Finding Solutions

When we look at those who are the best at what we do, we can point to many things that they do well. The qualities of leadership, the attributes and skills that set them apart, the knowledge and experience that support strong decision-making, and the adaptability that comes with an open mind immediately come to the forefront. But it’s what we do best that will have the greatest impact on our results moving forward—working together.

Partnerships, teamwork, communication, networking, collaboration—all real words with real meaning, and words we can all get behind. It doesn’t mean we have to agree on everything—and we won’t. But we need to share ideas, find common ground, and spread that message to others.

One-Two Punch

Right now, there’s a basic one-two punch that will help put some of these problems on the ropes.

The INFORM Act is important legislation that will require online marketplaces to collect and verify basic seller information, and for sellers to provide that information to consumers. Basic transparency and verification requirements will not hurt legitimate businesses but will make it harder for bad actors to deceive consumers. It will also provide retail investigators and law enforcement with an important tool to track and prevent illicit sales. Joining the Buy Safe America Coalition is a step in the right direction.

Organized retail crime associations (ORCAs) assist law enforcement, retail investigators, and prosecutors with the identification, investigation, and prosecution of those involved in ORC. By working together and sharing information, these associations have opened doors to improve legislation, enhance investigations, and build cooperative partnerships. These organizations need our support. Even if joining simply means expanding your network, we all need to make sure the ORCAs are successful.

If experience has taught us anything, it’s that we are at our best when we work together. Pick up the phone. Make a call. Join a group. Stay informed. Network. Build on what we do best and be a part of the solution.