Scott Glenn, Home Depot’s Vice President of Asset Protection, has called on Congress to pass legislation addressing the rising threat of organized retail crime groups, which he argues have become increasingly aggressive. In testimony before the House Homeland Security Committee’s Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Law Enforcement, and Intelligence, Glenn highlighted the growing danger faced by employees, including threats with “knives, guns, and other physical attacks.”
Glenn emphasized the urgent need for the passage of the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2023, introduced in Congress earlier this year. The proposed legislation aims to enhance federal coordination with state and local law enforcement to combat organized retail crime, providing crucial support to retailers facing these challenges.
The Home Depot executive underscored the evolving nature of these criminal groups, noting their heightened aggression and disregard for consequences. He identified the availability of drugs, particularly opioids and fentanyl, as a driving force behind the need for quick and easy cash, contributing to the escalating violence associated with retail theft.
Over the past three years, Glenn observed a significant increase in violent encounters between store and asset protection associates and criminal actors. Despite various preventive measures, including product locking, the employment of off-duty police officers and security guards, and the presence of police cars at store entrances, the problem persists. Tragically, the company has even lost associates in these encounters.
The testimony aligns with broader industry concerns about the growth of organized retail crime, prompting retailers to adopt unconventional measures they wouldn’t have considered in the past. Glenn’s call for legislative action comes after the National Retail Federation (NRF) organized Fight Retail Crime Day on October 26, bringing industry leaders and retail brands to Washington, D.C., to advocate for change and engage directly with congressional representatives. As retailers grapple with the evolving threat landscape, legislative initiatives such as the proposed act could provide vital tools to combat organized retail crime and enhance the safety and security of retail environments.
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