Businesses across Florida and Georgia increasing the security this holiday season with the rise of smash and grab robberies and flash mobs. Organized thefts are costing retailers over $65 billion each year.
Law enforcement suggests increasing security with uniformed guards is a great way to combat this growing issue. Not only keeping the store safe, but customers feel more comfortable shopping with the presence of an armed security guard present.
ABC News recently reported:
The thefts are believed to be part of sophisticated criminal networks that recruit mainly young people to steal merchandise in stores throughout the country and then sell it in online marketplaces. Experts and law enforcement officials say the thefts are ratcheting up as the holiday shopping season gets underway.
The National Retail Federation said a recent survey found stores are seeing an increase in organized thefts and perpetrators being more aggressive.
The flash mobs are usually organized by local people who recruit their crews and send them to steal specific merchandise requested by criminal organizations throughout the country, said Ben Dugan, president of the Coalition of Law Enforcement and Retail.
Those who do the stealing get paid between $500 and $1,000 to take as much as they can and bring it back to organizers who ship it to other parts of the country.
“Crew bosses organize them, they’ll give him the crowbars, and in some cases even rent them cars, or provide them with escape routes or a list of products to actually go out and steal. It looks very chaotic but it’s actually very well organized,” Dugan said.
“We’re not talking about someone who needs money or needs food. These are people who go out and do this is for high profit, and for the thrill,” he said
A stronger security presence is the best gift for your business and community this time of year!
It’s that time of year when added security is a must! Businesses of all types can benefit of added security, from large events to shopping facilities. Keeping employees and customers safe, safeguard merchandise, and prevent theft.
