Organized retail theft is one of the most serious retail security challenges, costing food retailers up to $30 billion a year. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has linked ORT to organized criminal gangs, including terrorists.
“Effective training of retail associates is imperative if we are to protect consumers from unsafe and counterfeit foods, drugs and other products stolen and distributed by organized retail theft gangs,” stated FMI President and CEO Tim Hammonds. “This new program explains how theft rings operate and suggests actions retailers can take to address the problem.”
Organized shoplifting rings target popular, high-value items such as over-the-counter (OTC) medications, infant formula, razor blades, camera film, batteries, videos, DVDs and smoking-cessation products. A major problem for consumers is that stolen products are often mishandled, diluted and sold past their expiration date.
The DVD explores the origins and ramifications of ORT, as well as efforts to address the problem. The program features:
FMI leads the Coalition Against Organized Retail Theft, which works with retailers, manufacturers and other industry associations to combat the crime and to raise awareness about its effects on society. Last month, President Bush signed into law legislation endorsed by the Coalition to establish an FBI Organized Retail Theft Task Force, develop a national database to track ORT crimes and allocate $5 million a year to fund law enforcement training.
To purchase the DVD, or for more information, please visit the FMI Store at www.fmi.org.
Food Marketing Institute (FMI) conducts programs in public affairs, food safety, research, education and industry relations on behalf of its nearly 1,250 food retail and wholesale member companies in the United States and around the world. FMI’s U.S. members operate more than 25,000 retail food stores and almost 22,000 pharmacies with a combined annual sales volume of nearly $650 billion. FMI’s retail membership is composed of large multi-store chains, regional firms and independent operators. Its international membership includes 126 companies from more than 65 countries. FMI’s nearly 330 associate members include the supplier partners of its retail and wholesale members.
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