Home Depot exec highlights rising violent threats from shoplifters in Congress testimony

Home⁢ Depot ‌Faces Increasingly Dangerous Threats from Shoplifting, Executive Says

A top executive at Home⁤ Depot testified before a congressional ​panel on Tuesday, revealing the​ alarming rise in threats posed by shoplifting. Scott Glenn, the head​ of loss prevention at Home Depot, disclosed that⁣ employees have been subjected to weapon threats and even lost their lives since ‌2020. During this period, the company witnessed a significant increase​ in workers encountering ‍violent situations with criminals.

“Retailers are not exaggerating the problem,”⁤ Glenn​ said during a hearing ‍of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Law Enforcement and Intelligence.

According to the National Retail Security Survey for this year, retailers ⁣across the country suffered ​a loss‍ of $112.1 billion due to theft last year, compared to $93.9 billion in 2021 and $90.8 billion in 2020.

“These⁢ individuals are becoming increasingly aggressive, they are dangerous, ‍and often care little about any consequence other than getting out of ‌the store with⁤ as much as possible,” Glenn emphasized. “I want to be very clear⁣ that we’re not⁢ talking about​ petty shoplifting. We’re talking about theft ⁢for greed, not theft for⁣ need.”

Glenn highlighted the tragic incidents that have occurred ⁢at Home Depot, including the fatal shooting ⁤of a security guard in California who was trying to​ stop a woman stealing a phone charger. Another incident involved⁤ an ​elderly worker who lost his life after being‌ pushed by​ a​ serial ​shoplifter.

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As a result of the surge in ‍organized‌ retail crime, Home ⁢Depot⁣ has implemented various security measures, such as locking⁢ up valuable products and hiring ‌off-duty police officers. Glenn emphasized that this type of crime is not‌ limited‌ to⁤ big cities but is happening everywhere, even ⁤in⁤ suburban areas.

With over 2,000 stores ‍and more than 490,000 employees ​across the ⁣U.S., Home Depot is taking ⁣the issue seriously.⁣ Glenn ‌identified several root causes of the crime spike, including the drug crisis, third-party marketplaces‍ facilitating the resale of stolen goods, and a lack of resources for law enforcement.

Representative​ Dina Titus (D-NV)‌ has sponsored the “Combating Organized Retail Crime Act,” ⁢a bill that aims to‍ launch a federal response involving⁣ multiple agencies to combat organized ‍retail‌ theft.

What specific dangers and risks ‌do employees in the retail sector face due to‌ shoplifting?

Untry are facing an⁣ increasing threat from shoplifting. The report states that in 2022, retailers lost​ a total of $61.7 billion due to theft, a significant increase from the previous‌ year.

Home Depot, as one of the largest​ home improvement retailers ⁤in the United⁣ States, has been particularly affected by ⁤this rise in shoplifting incidents.‍ Scott Glenn, the head ⁤of loss prevention at Home Depot, testified before a congressional​ panel‌ on Tuesday to shed light on the alarming situation.

Glenn​ revealed that since 2020, Home Depot ⁢employees have been subjected to weapon‍ threats and, tragically, some​ have even lost their lives. These incidents highlight the growing dangers faced by employees who work in the retail sector.

During the ‌congressional hearing, Glenn emphasized that retailers ‌are‍ not exaggerating the problem. The threat of shoplifting and the violence associated with it are⁣ very⁢ real and pose a serious risk to the safety of retail workers.

The National Retail Security Survey conducted⁣ this year confirms the severity of the issue. The report states that retailers have experienced a significant increase in workers ⁢encountering violent situations with criminals. This alarming trend highlights the urgent need for enhanced security measures and support for retailers to protect their employees.

Home ​Depot, like many other retailers, is actively working to address this‌ issue. The‌ company is continuously investing in advanced ​security systems and training programs​ for their employees. They are also collaborating with law‍ enforcement agencies ⁣to improve incident response and apprehend criminals.

However, the fight against shoplifting and the associated ‍threats requires a collective effort from all⁤ stakeholders. Retailers, law ⁢enforcement agencies, and policymakers must come together to develop​ comprehensive strategies and initiatives to combat ‌this rising problem.

In‌ addition to enhancing security measures, it is vital to increase public awareness‍ about the consequences of shoplifting. Education campaigns can play⁤ a crucial role in discouraging potential offenders and creating a safer shopping environment for‍ both employees and​ customers.

Furthermore, stricter⁣ penalties for shoplifting⁣ offenses can help deter potential criminals ​and mitigate the risk posed to retail workers. Legislative measures should ⁤be implemented to ensure that⁣ those who engage in shoplifting‍ face appropriate consequences for their actions.

The safety and well-being of retail employees should be a priority for both companies and policymakers.⁢ The alarming‌ rise in threats faced by Home Depot as disclosed by Scott Glenn should serve ⁢as a wake-up call for all⁣ stakeholders involved.

By addressing the issue head-on and implementing effective security measures, it is possible to⁤ create a safer retail environment for employees and customers alike. Additionally, collaboration and communication between​ retailers, law enforcement, and policymakers are crucial in finding long-term solutions to this‍ increasingly dangerous threat. Only through a unified ‍effort can we effectively combat shoplifting and protect those who work in the retail industry.

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