Why AP/LP is more important than ever

By Phil Thomson, Co-CEO at Auror, the Retail Crime Intelligence Platform working with retailers across the world

The challenges retailers and communities have faced when it comes to crime has grown in scale and complexity over the past two years.

Many customers from across the world have asked us about the impacts that COVID-19 has had on the AP/LP retail industry, and how they're dealing with new crime threats as markets begin to open more fully.

Some of the key challenges include the surge in aggression and violence in stores, changes in law enforcement response and legislation, impacts of lockdowns, rapid growth in online marketplaces, and the subsequent and continued rise in Organized Retail Crime (ORC).

Surge in aggression and violence in stores

Unfortunately people are taking advantage of retailers' response to aggressive behavior and COVID-19 threats.

Data from Auror's Crime Intelligence Platform shows serious incidents within retail, such as robberies and assaults, have doubled in the last 12 months with repeat offenders and ORC groups accounting for a large proportion of this.

While only 1 in 10 shoplifters are repeat offenders, they account for half of all serious events and are five times more likely to be violent or aggressive towards retail team members and customers.


There is growing commentary and calls for support to address the theft related violence in the United States, United Kingdom, with a new initiative between retailers and police focused on organized and violent retail crimes.

Continue reading the full article here.