metro One’s Retail Collaboration Event Sheds Light on Organized retail Crime
Table of Contents
- metro One’s Retail Collaboration Event Sheds Light on Organized retail Crime
- The FBI’s Role in Combating Organized Theft
- The Evolution of Organized Retail Crime
- Panel Discussion: Insights from Industry Leaders
- Key Takeaways from the Event
On January 14, Metro One hosted its inaugural Retail Collaboration and Networking event at Morton’s The Steakhouse in New York City. The event, themed around Organized Retail Crime (ORC), brought together retailers, law enforcement, industry partners, and the Metro One team for a day of insightful sessions, networking, and discussions.
The afternoon kicked off with opening remarks from Robert “Bob” Caruso and Frank Camerino, who emphasized the importance of learning, networking, and collaboration. “We hope everyone had the opportunity to learn something new, meet new people, and close out the day with a good meal,” they said, setting the tone for the event.
The FBI’s Role in Combating Organized Theft
Diego Rodriguez, former FBI assistant director and now Chief Security officer at Metro One, lead the first session. He delved into the FBI’s Organized Theft Program, highlighting the Transnational Organized Crime Branch (TOC) and its various divisions. Rodriguez painted a vivid picture of the Major Theft Task Force, which handles cases ranging from cargo theft to oil and gas theft, and even international art theft.
he also discussed South American Theft Groups (SATGs),their travel methods,and their techniques.Rodriguez concluded with a powerful message: “We are all stronger together than we are divided.Do not underestimate the networking available within the room.”
The Evolution of Organized Retail Crime
the next session, led by Ben Dugan, Executive Director of ORC at CVS Health and president of CLEAR, provided a deep dive into the evolution of ORC. Dugan humorously acknowledged the expertise in the room, saying, “Some of the leading experts in the field and best investigators are here, so what do I have to talk about?”
He traced the origins of ORC back to the MS-13 case, the first documented instance of organized retail theft. Dugan then outlined the evolution of ORC, highlighting key milestones and the risks and responses during each phase. His session also included a detailed analysis of retail theft levels versus ORC severity levels, showcasing the varying thresholds and impacts on retailers.
Dugan closed with a discussion on the hierarchy of major ORC organizations, recent cases at CVS Health, and the growing influence of Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) on retail theft.
Panel Discussion: Insights from Industry Leaders
The final session featured a panel discussion with Margie Manto, Vice President of Client Operations at Metro one, Kelly Hansen, AP Director at Macy’s, and Amanda Hobert, Regional Loss Prevention Director at Sephora. The panel addressed key questions, including advice for newcomers in the field.
Hansen emphasized the importance of building trust and respect, stating, “You cannot overvalue partnerships.” Hobert tackled the question of consumer responsibility in unknowingly purchasing stolen goods, noting that it depends on their awareness.
Key Takeaways from the Event
| Session | Key Insights |
|———————————-|———————————————————————————|
| FBI’s Organized Theft Program | Collaboration is crucial; SATGs are a growing threat. |
| Evolution of ORC | ORC has evolved significantly, with FBA impacting retail theft. |
| Panel Discussion | Trust, respect, and partnerships are essential in combating ORC. |
The event concluded with a cocktail hour and dinner, providing attendees with the opportunity to network and reflect on the day’s discussions.
As Metro One continues to lead the charge against organized retail crime, events like this underscore the importance of collaboration and innovation in tackling this growing issue. for more facts on Metro One’s initiatives, visit their official website.
What are your thoughts on the role of consumers in combating ORC? Share your insights in the comments below!
In an era of soaring inflation,retailers face unprecedented challenges in balancing consumer expectations with operational sustainability. A recent industry event highlighted the critical role of education in helping consumers understand the impacts of inflation. As one panelist aptly noted,“If you buy something for half the normal price,that is a red flag right there.” This statement underscores the importance of transparency and awareness in today’s retail landscape.
The event, which brought together industry professionals, delved into key trends, safety measures, and effective tools for navigating these challenges. Discussions also touched on the delicate balance of knowing when to let things go—a skill that can make or break a retailer’s success.
Throughout the afternoon, attendees had the opportunity to connect with peers, sharing experiences and fostering meaningful relationships. The day culminated in a dinner at The Morton’s Steakhouse,where laughter and stories flowed freely. Attendees left not only with new knowledge and connections but also with a sense of camaraderie that will undoubtedly strengthen the industry.
Julie Lawson: A Pillar of Loss Prevention Expertise
At the heart of the event was Julie Lawson, a seasoned professional with over 17 years of experience in retail loss prevention and solution development. Known for her detail-oriented approach, Julie has made significant contributions to asset protection, ORC, safety, risk management, and supply chain operations.
In her role at the Loss Prevention Foundation (LPF), Julie is dedicated to fostering innovation and collaboration. She is passionate about education within the LP industry, working tirelessly to strengthen relationships with retail partners and solution providers. Julie’s academic credentials—a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Texas at Dallas and an MBA from West Texas A&M University—underscore her commitment to excellence.
Key Takeaways from the Event
| Topic | Insights |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Inflation Awareness | Retailers must educate consumers on pricing to avoid red flags. |
| Safety Measures | Effective tools and processes are essential for maintaining security. |
| Industry Collaboration| Building relationships fosters innovation and shared success. |
For more information on industry-leading solutions, visit Metro One’s website.
The event was a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the retail industry. As professionals like Julie Lawson continue to drive innovation and collaboration, the future of retail looks brighter than ever.
In an era of soaring inflation, retailers face unprecedented challenges in balancing consumer expectations with operational sustainability. A recent industry event highlighted the critical role of education in helping consumers understand the impacts of inflation. As one panelist aptly noted, “If you buy something for half the normal price, that is a red flag right there.” This statement underscores the importance of transparency and awareness in today’s retail landscape.
The event, which brought together industry professionals, delved into key trends, safety measures, and effective tools for navigating these challenges. Discussions also touched on the delicate balance of knowing when to let things go—a skill that can make or break a retailer’s success.
Throughout the afternoon, attendees had the prospect to connect with peers, sharing experiences and fostering meaningful relationships. The day culminated in a dinner at The Morton’s Steakhouse, where laughter and stories flowed freely. Attendees left not only with new knowledge and connections but also with a sense of camaraderie that will undoubtedly strengthen the industry.
Julie Lawson: A Pillar of Loss Prevention Expertise
at the heart of the event was Julie Lawson, a seasoned professional with over 17 years of experience in retail loss prevention and solution development. Known for her detail-oriented approach, Julie has made meaningful contributions to asset protection, ORC, safety, risk management, and supply chain operations.
In her role at the Loss Prevention Foundation (LPF), Julie is dedicated to fostering innovation and collaboration. She is passionate about education within the LP industry, working tirelessly to strengthen relationships with retail partners and solution providers. julie’s academic credentials—a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of texas at Dallas and an MBA from West Texas A&M University—underscore her commitment to excellence.
Key Takeaways from the Event
| Topic | Insights |
|---|---|
| Inflation Awareness | Retailers must educate consumers on pricing to avoid red flags. |
| Safety Measures | Effective tools and processes are essential for maintaining security. |
| Industry Collaboration | building relationships fosters innovation and shared success. |
For more information on industry-leading solutions, visit Metro One’s website.
The event was a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the retail industry. As professionals like Julie Lawson continue to drive innovation and collaboration, the future of retail looks brighter than ever.
