ADT to help combat organized retail theft

Jun 6, 2006 3:39 PM

They are organized, work in small groups, do their homework and can rip off thousands of dollars in merchandise in minutes.
They are shoplifters -- but they are not out to steal just a couple of compact disks. They are organized crime rings targeting retailers, and they steal in excess of $30 billion in merchandise every year, according to FBI statistics.
ADT Security Services, Inc., a unit of Tyco Fire and Security, has announced it is helping retailers combat this growing problem through a new software tool that makes it easy to collect and share information on organized retail theft incidents nationwide.
The development of databases with information on organized retail theft patterns is seen by the FBI and retailers as one of the most important tools in the fight against this crime. Earlier this year, President Bush signed legislation establishing an Organized Retail Theft (ORT) Task Force at the FBI and the creation of an organized retail crime database.
The National Retail Federation has been working for the past few years with the FBI to develop an ORT database, according to Joseph LaRocca, NRF vice president for loss prevention.
"This type of software can help retailers provide essential information to the main ORT database," LaRocca says. "These databases are one of the most effective and efficient tools we have to deter organized retail theft."
ADT's software tool makes it easy for retailers to log important information about an organized retail theft incident such as the date and time, the number and description of people involved and the type and quantity of merchandise taken. Retailers can then transmit the data to a central location for chainwide analysis or share it with other retailers, local police and the FBI.
The new ADT ORT software feature not only helps retailers share information with the FBI, it also allows retailers to analyze their own organized retail theft information and make changes and adjustments to help prevent future occurrences, according to Lee Pernice, national accounts marketing manager for ADT.
"These anti-theft tools give retailers a way to efficiently collect an array of information on theft activities at the store level and then use it to help eliminate problems, strengthen security procedures and anticipate possible future difficulties," Pernice said in a statement.
For information, visit www.adt.com

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