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Top Ten Factors to Consider to Offset Shrink

Top Ten Factors to Consider to Offset Shrink

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By Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services

Retail shrinkage, or “shrink,” refers to the difference between the inventory a retail company is supposed to have on hand according to their records and the actual inventory physically verified in-store. This loss of inventory is primarily caused by factors such as shoplifting, organized retail crime, employee theft, human or paperwork errors, vendor fraud, and other related issues. Shrink can significantly harm a retail business, eroding profits that are vital to its survival.

By taking a closer look at these and other challenges, as well as addressing the practices, concerns, and opportunities within stores, retailers can make an immediate and impactful difference in shrink performance. 

While some factors may be beyond our control, there are several areas that can be addressed directly to mitigate shrink:

  1. Unsatisfactory Customer Service
    Poor customer service can drive away shoppers and create an environment where theft goes unnoticed.
  2. Poor Operational Controls
    Weak operational processes and oversight allow opportunities for shrink to occur, whether through inefficiencies or gaps in security.
  3. Lack of Store Cleanliness
    A cluttered or dirty store can create hiding spots for stolen goods and negatively impact inventory management.
  4. Substandard Merchandising Practices
    Disorganized product displays and poorly stocked shelves can increase theft opportunities and lead to inventory discrepancies.
  5. Ineffective Hiring Practices
    Hiring unqualified or dishonest employees increases the risk of theft, either by employees themselves or by facilitating external criminals.
  6. Cluttered Stockrooms
    Messy or disorganized stockrooms make it harder to track inventory and may contribute to inventory losses going unnoticed.
  7. Unattended and Untidy Fitting Rooms
    Fitting rooms that are poorly maintained or left unattended provide opportunities for customers to steal items without being caught.
  8. Poor Attention to Detail
    A lack of attention to small details—like inventory discrepancies, damaged goods, or missing items—can compound shrink over time.
  9. Unmotivated or Uninspired Employees
    Employees who are disengaged or unmotivated may fail to notice suspicious activities, contributing to losses.
  10. Closed Minds
    A reluctance to adopt new technologies or strategies in loss prevention can result in missed opportunities to reduce shrink.

By addressing these common characteristics and improving the practices that lead to shrink, retailers can better protect their profits and ensure long-term business success.

 

Source:
Brittain, LPC, J. (February 6, 2025). 10 Common Characteristics of High-Shrink Stores. Loss Prevention Magazine.

Hashtags:
#ProtectionServices #SecurityStandards #PublicSafety #MobileSecurity #SecurityThreats

 

A Deep Dive Into the Landscape of Gun-Related Incidents Across the United States

A Deep Dive Into the Landscape of Gun-Related Incidents Across the United States

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By Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services

While active shooter events—where individuals enter a space with the intent to kill—are relatively rare, the most common gun-related incidents are often the result of personal disputes that escalate into violence. Other frequent incidents include weapons being discovered but not used, as well as shooting threats.

Two of the most powerful predictors of gun violence are:

  1. History of Aggression
    Individuals with a history of aggressive behavior are more likely to engage in violent acts. Prior incidents of aggression should be closely monitored to assess potential risks.
  2. Substance Abuse
    Substance abuse, particularly involving alcohol and drugs, has a strong correlation with violent behavior. This factor should be considered when assessing threats.

GUN RELATED INCIDENTS

In many cases, retailers may not own the parking lot or outdoor spaces surrounding their stores. However, they can still enhance security by installing exterior cameras that monitor these areas. Additionally, considering the placement of in-store cameras, integrating gun detection software into existing security systems, and providing specialized training for security personnel can further improve safety measures.

Source:
Wolfe, C. (February 13, 2025). Retail Spaces Top the List of Gun Violence Targets in New Report. Loss Prevention Magazine.

Hashtags:
#ProtectionServices #SecurityStandards #PublicSafety #MobileSecurity #SecurityThreats

 

Advanced Loss Prevention Strategies: Addressing Staff Morale Issues

Advanced Loss Prevention Strategies: Addressing Staff Morale Issues

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By Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services

Is your organization struggling with low staff morale? Here are a few telltale signs to watch for:

  1. Absenteeism and Presenteeism
    Low morale often leads to employees either frequently missing work (absenteeism) or coming to work but not fully engaging (presenteeism).
  2. Frequent Conflicts
    While conflict is natural in any workplace, constant or unresolved disputes may signal deeper morale issues.
  3. Disorganization
    Employees who feel disengaged may lack the motivation to maintain a tidy and organized work environment.
  4. Ongoing Complaints
    Regular complaints, especially about minor issues, may indicate dissatisfaction with the overall work culture.
  5. Customer or Client Complaints
    Low employee morale often affects customer service, leading to more frequent complaints about work quality, employee attitudes, or service.

Managers play a crucial role in shaping employees’ attitudes toward their jobs. Management training programs that focus on effective communication, fostering psychological safety, and recognizing employee achievements can significantly improve job satisfaction, morale, and overall team loyalty.

Source:
Wolfe, C. (February 26, 2025). How to Maintain Employee Morale While Fulfilling Your Responsibilities. Loss Prevention Magazine.

Hashtags:
#ProtectionServices #SecurityStandards #PublicSafety #MobileSecurity #SecurityThreats

 

Response Time Has a Significant Impact on Crisis Outcomes

Response Time Has a Significant Impact on Crisis Outcomes

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Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services, on the Need for Crisis Management

A well-communicated and effectively executed crisis management plan significantly increases the likelihood of mitigating the effects of a crisis, regardless of the circumstances. The response component of a crisis plan must account for the unpredictable nature of emergencies while providing a structured approach to managing related activities. Developing a plan that enables swift, confident, and appropriate responses is essential for effective crisis resolution.

During a crisis, it is crucial to quickly assess the situation, determine its severity, identify the need for medical, police, or fire response, implement evacuation protocols, secure assets, and communicate efficiently with all relevant agencies through a structured system. A primary objective of crisis management planning is to establish standardized responses for these critical actions, ensuring they can be applied to a wide range of crisis scenarios.

In any crisis, delivering a fast, efficient, and appropriate response is vital. This process should be guided by a well-defined crisis response framework, reinforced by strong communication strategies and resources.

Source:
Brittain, J. (February 24, 2025). AP Fundamentals: Crisis Response. Loss Prevention Magazine.

Hashtags:
#ProtectionServices #SecurityStandards #PublicSafety #MobileSecurity #SecurityThreats

 

Unforeseen Threats Necessitate Enhanced Security in Educational Institutions

Unforeseen Threats Necessitate Enhanced Security in Educational Institutions

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Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services, on the Need for More Robust Security in Schools

In an era of evolving threats and unforeseen challenges, ensuring the safety of students, staff, and faculty in K-12 schools is of paramount importance. Security in educational institutions must go beyond traditional measures, adopting a multilayered, multifactor approach that integrates technology, personnel training, and emergency preparedness.

K-12 security professionals can reduce risk by implementing strategies grounded in the core principles of prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. 

Establishing strong partnerships with local law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency medical services—both during simulations and in real-world scenarios—is essential. Collaboration ensures a swift and coordinated response in emergencies, maximizing the effectiveness of preparedness plans.

Whether it’s students remembering not to prop open exterior doors, teachers understanding the appropriate steps to take during emergencies, or school administrators managing communication with parents and first responders—everyone plays a critical role in maintaining a safe school environment.

Source:
Hanson, B. (March 24, 2025). Ballistic-Resistant Solutions for Schools: Trends and Best Practices. Security Magazine.

Hashtags:
#ProtectionServices #SecurityStandards #PublicSafety #MobileSecurity #SecurityThreats

 

Trusted Sources, Such as the Federal Government, Are Scamming Americans

Trusted Sources, Such as the Federal Government, Are Scamming Americans

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Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services, on how scammers impersonate trusted agencies:

Scamming is on the rise. Scammers are impersonating trusted government agencies to steal people’s personal information and money. Many Americans are being tricked into granting access to their financial information by fraudsters posing as reputable organizations such as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Amazon, and the United States Postal Service (USPS).

These scamming tactics send texts, phone messages, and emails with alarming phrases like “Your account has been locked” or “Due to unusual activity.” These scare tactics exploit victims’ judgment in moments of fear and panic, coercing them into revealing personally identifiable information and granting access to their financial accounts.

Source:
(March 26, 2025). Scammers Impersonated USPS More Than Other Organizations. Security Magazine.

Hashtags:
#ProtectionServices #SecurityStandards #PublicSafety #MobileSecurity #SecurityThreats

 

Ghost-Ransomeware-Attack

Ghost Ransomware Widespread Attacks on Organizations Internet-Facing Devices

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Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services on Ghost Ransomware: 

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) have issued a joint advisory on Ghost ransomware (also known as Cring).

The advisory, which is primarily aimed at network defenders, provides critical details on Ghost ransomware activities, including:

  • Indicators of compromise (IOCs)
  • Tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs)
  • Detection methods

The data used to compile the advisory comes from FBI investigations into Ghost ransomware incidents. It highlights how Ghost actors are launching widespread attacks by targeting organizations that use outdated software and firmware on internet-facing devices. These threat actors often exploit publicly available code linked to Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) to gain access to vulnerable systems.

The advisory urges network defenders to carefully assess the risks and take appropriate measures to mitigate them. CISA also recommends reviewing the advisory and implementing its suggested mitigations. For additional guidance on ransomware protection, detection, and response, refer to the #StopRansomware initiative and the associated guide. More information on CISA’s Cross-Sector Cybersecurity Performance Goals (CPGs), including recommended baseline protections, is available on their website.

Source:
Alger, J. (February 21, 2025). CISA and FBI Issue Warning for Ghost Ransomware Activity. Security Magazine.
Hashtags: #protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsafety #mobilesecurity #securitythreats

 

Phishing Threats Are on the Rise: Organizations Must Assess Their Vulnerability

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Frank Costa, President of NEXGEN Protection Services on Phishing Threats:

As AI-powered tools become more accessible, phishing threats are aon the rise. Attackers are increasingly targeting multiple channels to bypass security measures, beginning with phishing emails that contain links to video meetings featuring a deep fake.

Phishing attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making it essential for organizations to assess their vulnerability. Hackers now have access to advanced AI-powered tools that enable them to craft email messages, create malicious payloads, and even generate deep fakes. These technologies—and the cyberattacks they facilitate—are more accessible than ever, particularly as cybercriminals tap into the growing “Crime as a Service” (CaaS) ecosystem. Providers now sell everything from attack tools to pre-packaged phishing kits designed to bypass native defenses and secure email gateways (SEGs).

Threat actors can leverage AI at every stage of a phishing attack, from speeding up the intelligence-gathering process on potential targets to automating the creation and distribution of highly personalized attacks. The use of AI accelerates and scales up attack creation, allowing even less-experienced cybercriminals to launch sophisticated campaigns. 

Impersonation attacks are another common tactic. The most frequent form involves attackers posing as the recipient’s company, accounting for 16% of phishing emails. The Human Resources (HR) department is often impersonated in these attacks. Cybercriminals also use platforms like LinkedIn, company websites, and news announcements to identify new hires at target organizations. These newly hired employees are then targeted in impersonation and social engineering attacks. New employees are frequently the victims of phishing emails impersonating VIPs, particularly in CEO fraud schemes.

To strengthen defenses, organizations can adopt best practices that help build a “human firewall.” The first step is to understand and communicate what constitutes normal behavior for brands and suppliers, which can aid in detecting impersonation. Organizations should also standardize and validate communication channels, especially for roles like HR and IT. Finally, companies should assess their vulnerability to supply chain and vendor-based compromises.

Source:
Alger, J. (February 20, 2025). Mobile Phishing Threats Are Evolving, According to New Research. Security Magazine.

 

Loss Prevention Strategies

Loss Prevention Strategies for Combating Organized Retail Theft

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Frank Costa, President of NEXGEN Protections Services on Loss Preventions Strategies:

Organized retail theft (ORT) impacts more than just a retailer’s bottom line; it creates dangerous environments for both staff and shoppers. The increasing incidents of violence and aggression have pushed retailers to invest heavily in loss prevention strategies. In response, major retailers are partnering with technology innovators to strengthen their defenses. 

(ORT) involves coordinated efforts by professional thieves to steal large quantities of merchandise from retail stores. Unlike casual shoplifting, ORT is systematic, with stolen goods often resold through various channels, including online marketplaces. This form of theft has seen a significant rise in recent years, resulting in billions of dollars in annual losses for retailers.

Companies such as Walmart, Target, Lowe’s, Kroger, Macy’s, CVS, and others are at the forefront, using cutting-edge technology to deter and detect criminal activity. From advanced video surveillance systems to biometric cameras and autonomous security robots, retailers are deploying a formidable arsenal to combat the growing threat of ORT. Central to this technological revolution is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), which enhances the sophistication and effectiveness of existing security measures.

Source:
Danielson, R. (February 20, 2025). Retail Resilience: Technology Strategies to Combat Organized Theft. Security Magazine.
Hashtags: #protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsafety #mobilesecurity #securitythreats



Terrorist-Organizations

The Trump Administration Designates Several Cartels as Terrorist Organizations

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Frank Costa, President of NEXGEN Protection Services on Terrorist Organizations:

The Trump administration designated eight Latin American cartels as terrorist organizations on Thursday, a designation typically reserved for groups with political goals achieved through violence.

The U.S. Department of State filed the notice of the designation in The Federal Register on February 20. The action targets the following cartels:

  • Cartel del Golfo (CDG), also known as the Gulf Cartel and the Osiel Cárdenas-Guillén Organization
  • Cartel del Noreste (CDN), also known as the Northeast Cartel and Los Zetas
  • Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), also known as the Jalisco New Generation Cartel
  • Cartel de Sinaloa, also known as the Sinaloa Cartel, the Mexican Federation, and the Guadalajara Cartel
  • Carteles Unidos, also known as United Cartels, Tepalcatepec Cartel, Cartel de Tepalcatepec, the Grandfather Cartel, Cartel del Abuelo, and Cartel de Los Reyes
  • La Nueva Familia Michoacana (LNFM)
  • Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13)
  • Tren de Aragua (Aragua Train)

The eight cartels’ members are described as “foreign persons who have committed or attempted to commit, pose a significant risk of committing, or have participated in training to commit acts of terrorism that threaten the security of U.S. nationals or the national security, foreign policy, or economy of the United States,” according to the State Department filing.

Source:
Gates, M. (February 20, 2025). United States Designates 8 Cartels as Terrorist Organizations. Security Management Magazine.