Organized Retail Theft: A Guide for Retailers
Fremont Police’s key objectives to receiving grant funding for Organized Retail Theft (ORT) Prevention is to reduce ORT-related crime, strengthen partnerships, and increase information sharing. Our vision of a Real Time Information Center (RTIC) to leverage technology in the hands of specialized analysts to provide an informed real-time response to first responders will help us accomplish these objectives.
Protecting Your Business Against Organized Retail Theft
- Increase Visibility: Ensure your store is well-lit and has clear sightlines throughout. Consider security personnel during peak hours.
- Install Cameras: Install security cameras in strategic locations, both inside and outside.
- Employee Training: Train your staff to be vigilant and recognize suspicious behavior. Encourage them to report any concerns promptly. Discourage them from confronting the suspicious behavior.
- Secure Merchandise: Use anti-theft tags, lock up high-value items, and keep a close eye on easily concealable goods. Please do not leave cash in the register overnight.
- Partner with Law Enforcement: Report any incidents of theft promptly.
- Community Awareness: Share information about organized retail theft with neighboring businesses and stay informed about the latest trends.
Staying Safe During an Incident
- Prioritize your safety: Do not attempt to stop or apprehend suspects.
- Observe and remember: Try to note details about the suspects' appearance, clothing, and any distinguishing marks.
- Contact law enforcement immediately: Dial 911!
- Preserve the scene: If possible, prevent anyone from entering the area where the theft occurred until police arrive.
Identifying Offenders
- Physical Descriptions: Note height, weight, build, hair color and style, facial hair, eye color, complexion, and any tattoos or scars.
- Clothing: Describe what the suspects were wearing, including colors, styles, brands, and any logos.
- Behavior: Were they working together? Did they seem nervous or agitated? Did they say anything to each other or to you?
- Other details: Did they have any bags, backpacks, or tools with them? Were they wearing gloves or masks?
- Vehicles: What was the color, make, model? Which direction did they flee?
Being a Good Witness
- Provide a detailed statement to law enforcement: Include as much information as possible about the suspects and the incident.
- Cooperate with investigators: Be willing to answer questions and provide additional information if requested.
- Be prepared to testify in court: If the case goes to trial, your testimony could be crucial in convicting the offenders.
Creating an Online Report
- File a police report online.
- Follow the instructions: Provide all requested information, including your contact information, a description of the incident, and details about the suspects and any vehicles involved.
- Attach any relevant evidence: This could include photos or videos of the suspects or their vehicle.
Suspect Descriptors
- Age: Estimate the suspects' ages.
- Gender: Note the suspects' genders.
- Race/Ethnicity: Be as specific as possible when describing the suspects' racial or ethnic backgrounds.
- Any other distinguishing features: Note any unique characteristics, such as accents, speech patterns, or mannerisms.
Vehicle Information
- Make, model, year, and color: Get as much information as possible about the vehicle.
- License plate number and state: Note the full license plate number and the state of registration.
- Any unique features: Describe any dents, scratches, bumper stickers, or other identifying marks.
- Direction of travel: Note the direction the vehicle was heading when it left the scene.
Remember: Your information is crucial in helping law enforcement apprehend and prosecute organized retail theft offenders.
Stay safe, stay vigilant, and work together to protect our community.
