Rising Retail Theft: Home Depot Exec Warns of Violent Threats and Exploitation

Home Depot's head of loss prevention, Scott Glenn, testified before a congressional panel about the increasing threats faced by retail workers from shoplifters, including those brandishing knives and guns. Glenn emphasized that retailers are not exaggerating the dangers posed by organized retail crime, which resulted in $112 billion in inventory losses last year. He highlighted tragic incidents where Home Depot employees were killed while trying to stop shoplifters. Glenn also expressed concerns about the rise of third-party platforms selling stolen goods. The hearing aimed to address the issue and consider legislation, such as the "Combatting Organized Retail Crime Act," to establish a federal coordinated response. Law enforcement officials testified about the links between organized retail theft and narcotics, weapons trafficking, and money laundering.