Flash Mob Robberies
Retail Business Insurance - Organized retail crime (ORC) refers to large-scale shoplifting incidents or other illegal (and sometimes violent) acts conducted by groups of criminals with the purpose of stealing significant amounts of merchandise. ORC has become a growing concern for retail businesses in recent years. In fact, Canadian retailers estimate that ORC costs them more than $4.6 billion each year. This surge in ORC has largely been caused by criminals looking to capitalize on the accelerated shift to e-commerce brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, criminals are stealing large amounts of goods and reselling them to unsuspecting online shoppers at reduced prices.One ORC method that has recently come to light is flash mob robberies. Also called "smash-and-grab" robberies, these incidents involve a group of criminals swarming a retail business all at once (sometimes with weapons), overwhelming staff and law enforcement on the scene, and attempting to steal mass amounts of merchandise. Flash mob robberies have become more common, costly and violent over the past year, drawing widespread concern from retail businesses and their employees.The following article provides more information on this ORC method, details about flash mob robberies and possible measures to prevent such incidents.
What Are Flash Mob Robberies?
Flash mob robberies are not crimes of opportunity. Rather, these incidents are planned ahead of time by a coordinated group of criminals‚-whether it's five or 100 people. In recent incidents, flash mob robbery plans have often resulted from criminals communicating over social media platforms.When such an incident occurs, the group of criminals typically approaches the target retail business all at once, making it more difficult for employees or law enforcement to stop them. These criminals may simply rely on the size of their group to carry out the robbery without being apprehended or potentially leverage weapons and acts of violence to further deter anyone from intervening in their plan. For instance, criminals may utilize the following tactics:. Breaking storefront glass or display cases. Carrying guns, knives, sledgehammers or crowbars. Engaging in physical assault (e.g., punching, slapping, kicking or biting). Using pepper spray or other chemical irritantsAfter swarming the target retail business, the group of criminals usually attempts to steal large amounts of merchandise quickly before promptly fleeing the scene. In some cases, certain criminals may be responsible for waiting outside the business with a vehicle (or several vehicles) to help the rest of the group exit the premises as fast as possible following the robbery.Because flash mob robberies are group activities, it's rare for every criminal involved in such incidents to get caught. Although a handful of criminals may be apprehended on the scene, the number of people involved in these robberies makes it easier for criminals to escape without consequences‚-thus allowing them to plan and be involved in future incidents.
Flash Mob Robberies in Canada
Retail businesses across the country have been impacted by flash mob robberies, including independent shops and large corporations. Here are some of the incidents that have taken place:. Quickie‚-In 2011, a group of 40 or so youth entered a Quickie convenience store in Ottawa and left with $800 worth of goods. It was reportedly Canada's first flash robbery.. Mac's‚-In 2014, a group of people entered a Mac's convenience store in Parry Sound and reportedly took $30,000 of tobacco products in five minutes.. Moksha Yoga Studio‚-In 2017, three masked men broke into a Moksha Yoga Studio in Stoney Creek and reportedly stole about $20,000 worth of Lululemon clothing.
Prevention Strategies
Prevention Strategies
Flash mob robberies can have severe consequences for retail businesses, including lost merchandise, property damage, recovery costs, and threats to the safety of employees and customers. To mitigate these risks, retail businesses should implement effective prevention and response strategies. Consider the following risk management measures:
- Train employees: Provide comprehensive training to employees on how to identify and respond to potential signs of a flash mob robbery. This includes recognizing sudden increases in vehicles in the parking lot, large groups congregating outside the store, and suspicious behavior from customers. Employees should be positioned strategically throughout the store to detect these signs. Additionally, educate employees on safe ways to handle violent incidents and emphasize that their personal safety should not be jeopardized to stop a robbery.
- Utilize security systems: Install various security systems to deter criminals. These may include surveillance cameras, laminated glass, merchandise sensors, and alarm systems. Consider using security measures that impede criminals from escaping the scene, such as fog systems, strobe lights, and roll-down gates. Hiring dedicated security personnel can also provide additional protection.
- Ensure proper product placement: Store high-value merchandise in elevated areas that are not easily accessible. Limit the quantity of each product on store shelves and store excess inventory in a secure location to minimize losses during a flash mob robbery.
- Work with law enforcement: Establish strong relationships with local law enforcement and organized retail crime (ORC) prevention coalitions. Follow their guidance on preventing flash mob robberies and consider requesting assistance in monitoring social media platforms for potential ORC plans or suspicious activity.
- Establish an emergency response plan: Develop documented response protocols and lockdown procedures for flash mob robbery incidents. Train employees on implementing security systems, initiating store shutdown procedures, and prioritizing personal safety. Regularly review and update the emergency response plan as necessary.
- Secure adequate coverage: Ensure that retail businesses have appropriate insurance coverage to protect against losses from flash mob robberies. Commercial property insurance typically covers theft or ORC-related losses. Consult an insurance professional to explore coverage solutions specific to flash mob robberies.
For more industry-specific risk management guidance, contact KRGinsure today.
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