RCC National Loss Prevention Update January 2024
Our Loss Prevention Advisory Committee is steadfastly pursuing the strategic priorities outlined in 2022:
- Reduce workplace violence, arson, and property crime.
- Collaborate with Police, Justice, and government.
- Address Organized Retail Crime (ORC).
In a bid to further engage our key partners, the Committee launched the National LP Taskforce. This dynamic collaboration includes police agencies, the criminal justice branch, government entities, and community programs, uniting with retail organizations. Currently, the Taskforce proudly represents Vancouver, Edmonton, London, Waterloo, Halton, Peel, Toronto, York, Durham, Ottawa, and OPP police services. This isn’t just a discussion platform—it’s a mission. The Taskforce is on a mandate to uncover opportunities and initiate ‘proof of concept’ trials and pilots, testing game-changing ideas to revolutionize the field of loss prevention. Stay tuned for updates on our collaborative journey!
Key areas of focus – What retailers in Canada need to know
Pushing for Retail Crime Units nationwide
RCC’s ongoing advocacy across Canada is gaining momentum as we strive to establish Retail Crime Units (RCUs) within police agencies. The Halton Regional Police, led by Superintendent Robert Gourley from the RCC National LP Taskforce, has successfully implemented a budgeted RCU. Superintendent Gourley is now acting as an ambassador, guiding agencies like Vancouver, Edmonton, Peel, York, Durham, and Ottawa to explore this innovative opportunity.
The initiative gained further traction when presented to the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) Safety and Crime Prevention Committee, leading to ongoing collaboration with Rui Rodrigues as a standing committee guest. Halton is playing a pivotal role in assisting other agencies in crafting business plans for RCUs, and several, including Peel, Vancouver, and Hamilton, are actively in the implementation phase.
Achieving success in this initiative relies on Police Chief support and potential Solicitor General backing, with continued advocacy by RCC.
RCC’s strategic collaboration sparks nationwide Retail Blitzes
Following strategic collaboration with Taskforce police services, RCC is actively coordinating retail blitzes from coast to coast.
In September 2023, RCC launched Canada’s inaugural National Retail Blitz, partnering with teams from various cities. The results were impressive, with 498 arrests, including 52 repeat offenders, and the seizure of 28 weapons, totaling $94,000 in stolen property. Read the press release.
Building on this success, RCC has expanded the initiative to additional police services in Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, London, Waterloo, Windsor, Hamilton, and Ottawa joining a December 2023 blitz.
To enhance collaboration, RCC has established a private Retail Secure SharePoint site, ensuring confidential coordination between retail and police members.
Details of the December blitz will be shared in February. Stay tuned.
RCC retail members can gain access to this confidential site by emailing Rui Rodrigues at rrodrigues@retailcouncil.org.
RCC joins forces with NRF and LPRC for Canadian Retail Crime Report
We’re thrilled to announce a leading-edge collaboration between RCC, the National Retail Federation (NRF), and the Loss Prevention Research Council (LPRC) for the Canadian Retail Crime Report.
A dedicated sub-committee is guiding the project, leveraging NRF & LPRC’s methodology for Retail Crime tailored for retailers to Canada.
The findings will empower RCC to advocate for increased investments in retail crime prevention nationwide and help shape the future of retail crime awareness in Canada.
RCC spearheads efforts to combat ORC in Ontario
RCC is actively establishing an Organized Retail Crime Joint Force Operation (JFO) in Ontario, inspired by the successful Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement (ROPE) team. This initiative is designed to centralize all Organized Retail Crime activities.
Key police contacts from OPP, Windsor, London, Waterloo, Halton, Peel, Toronto, York, Durham, and Ottawa are joining forces to launch the JFO in Ontario.
Members from the Crown’s office from Ontario is generously supporting increased Crown involvement in this collaborative approach to combat ORC.
Loss Prevention regional highlights
British Columbia
A new “repeat violent offender coordinated response team” has been formed, with RCC collaborating on this effort, including a working table with the Vancouver Police Department to address repeat offenders and organize retail blitz campaigns nationally.
Alberta
RCC spearheaded a collaboration with the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services, resulting in a prepared retail crime action plan for Alberta, now endorsed by the Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police.
Manitoba
Project Safe Shop is enabling participants to leverage a common technology for submitting incidents and analyzing macro data to identify and convict the most prolific offenders. Over 100 retail storefronts are submitting data through the platform.
Ontario
RCC, in collaboration with the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, has formed the Ontario Crime Prevention Committee to develop a comprehensive strategy addressing information exchange barriers, fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, and establishing a provincial unit targeting ORC.
Quebec
RCC, in collaboration with Service de Police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) and local retail LP members, has formed the Quebec Crime Prevention Committee to foster widespread collaboration and discussions with police partners on key activities targeting repeat offenders, violent prolific offenders, and organized crime.
Nova Scotia
RCC is working with Hayley Crichton, Executive Director Public Safety & Security Division at the Department of Justice, to discuss how retailers, police and Department of Justice could best work together across the province
RCC gains momentum in recruiting Police Agencies for LP Taskforce
The following police agencies have joined the RCC National Loss Prevention Taskforce:
- Cape Breton Police
- Durham Regional Police
- Edmonton Police Service
- Halton Regional Police
- Hamilton Police Service
- London Police Service
- Ontario Provincial Police
- Ottawa Police Services
- Peel Regional Police
- SPVM (Montreal)
- Toronto Police Services
- Vancouver Police Service
- Waterloo Regional Police
- Windsor Police
- Winnipeg Police Service
- York Regional Police
New RCC programs to help inform your team
Retail Secure Conference
Protecting People, Stores and Data, Serving Communities. This annual event brings together top retail loss prevention experts, industry suppliers, and security and law enforcement professionals together to explore actionable systems and forward-thinking retail solutions.
CyberSecurity Fundamentals for Retailers: Guidebook
Elevate your digital defense game with RCC’s Cyber Security Fundamentals for Retailers guidebook —your ultimate resource packed with tips, best practices, and crucial insights to safeguard your business in the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.
CyberSecure eLearning module Level 1
Learn how to implement crucial cybersecurity practices to shield retailers from cyber-attacks, ensuring the safety of electronic devices, data, and online activities within a retail environment. Tailored specifically for the retail industry.
For questions or more information contact:
Rui Rodrigues
Executive Advisor, Loss Prevention and Risk Management
rrodrigues@retailcouncil.org
