COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the course on Organised Retail Crime Prevention. This course is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify, prevent, and respond to organised retail crime (ORC). With the increasing prevalence and sophistication of ORC, it is crucial for retailers, security professionals, and law enforcement to work together to safeguard the retail sector from significant financial losses and operational disruptions.
We begin with an introduction to organised retail crime (ORC), where we define what ORC is and explore its scope within the retail sector. You will learn about the profound impact that ORC has on businesses, from lost revenue to increased security costs, and how ORC has evolved in Australia, reflecting broader global trends.
Understanding the types of organised retail crime is essential for developing effective prevention strategies. This section covers various forms of ORC, including shoplifting and theft rings, fraudulent returns and exchanges, and cargo theft, as well as vulnerabilities within distribution networks that ORC groups exploit.
Profiling organised retail crime groups provides insight into their operations. You will learn about the characteristics of ORC groups, the methods and tactics they use, and the common targets they choose, helping you to anticipate and counteract their activities.
The legal framework and regulatory requirements are critical for combating ORC. This section covers the relevant Australian laws that pertain to ORC, the compliance obligations for retailers, and the vital role that law enforcement plays in addressing this growing threat.
Risk assessment and vulnerability analysis are foundational to ORC prevention. You will learn how to identify high-risk products and locations, conduct a thorough retail crime risk assessment, and use data analytics to predict and prevent ORC incidents before they occur.
Retail security systems and technologies are your first line of defence. This section explores the use of CCTV surveillance, electronic article surveillance (EAS) systems, and the integration of AI and machine learning in retail security to enhance detection and prevention efforts.
Loss prevention strategies are essential for mitigating ORC risks. You will discover how to implement robust loss prevention policies, develop employee training and awareness programs, and collaborate effectively with security personnel to reduce the likelihood of ORC incidents.
Collaboration with law enforcement and other retailers strengthens your ability to combat ORC. Learn how to establish partnerships with local police, share intelligence and best practices with other retailers, and participate in retail crime prevention networks to enhance your overall security posture.
In-store security measures play a crucial role in deterring crime. This section covers optimising store layouts, managing access points, securing high-value items, and the strategic use of undercover security personnel to prevent ORC activities.
Cybersecurity in retail crime prevention is increasingly important as ORC groups exploit digital vulnerabilities. You will explore how to protect customer and retailer data, address cyber threats linked to ORC, and integrate physical and cybersecurity measures for comprehensive protection.
Handling fraudulent transactions is another critical aspect of ORC prevention. This section covers identifying red flags in transactions, training staff to recognise and respond to fraud, and leveraging technology to detect and prevent fraudulent activity.
Incident response and crisis management are vital for minimising the impact of ORC incidents. You will learn how to develop a retail crime incident response plan, implement effective crisis communication strategies, and conduct post-incident analysis for continuous improvement.
Supply chain security is essential for protecting the entire retail operation. This section covers securing the supply chain from end to end, addressing cargo theft and distribution vulnerabilities, and collaborating with suppliers to mitigate risks.
Legal prosecution and restitution ensure that ORC activities are addressed through the justice system. You will learn how to work with legal teams for prosecution, gather and preserve evidence, and pursue restitution and civil remedies to recover losses.
Finally, evaluating the effectiveness of ORC prevention strategies ensures that your efforts are successful and sustainable. This section covers key performance indicators (KPIs) for ORC prevention, continuous monitoring and adjustment of strategies, and reporting and communicating success to stakeholders.
By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to prevent and manage organised retail crime effectively, protecting your business and contributing to a safer retail environment.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:
1. Introduction to Organised Retail Crime (ORC)
- Definition and Scope of ORC
- Impact of ORC on the Retail Sector
- The Evolution of Organised Retail Crime in Australia
2. Understanding the Types of Organised Retail Crime
- Shoplifting and Theft Rings
- Fraudulent Returns and Exchanges
- Cargo Theft and Distribution Network Vulnerabilities
3. Profiling Organised Retail Crime Groups
- Characteristics of ORC Groups
- Methods and Tactics Used by ORC Groups
- Common Targets and Why They Are Chosen
4. Legal Framework and Regulatory Requirements
- Australian Laws Pertaining to ORC
- Compliance Obligations for Retailers
- Role of Law Enforcement in Combating ORC
5. Risk Assessment and Vulnerability Analysis
- Identifying High-Risk Products and Locations
- Conducting a Retail Crime Risk Assessment
- Using Data Analytics to Predict ORC Incidents
6. Retail Security Systems and Technologies
- CCTV Surveillance and Advanced Monitoring Systems
- Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) Systems
- Integration of AI and Machine Learning in Retail Security
7. Loss Prevention Strategies
- Implementing Robust Loss Prevention Policies
- Employee Training and Awareness Programs
- Collaboration with Security Personnel
8. Collaboration with Law Enforcement and Other Retailers
- Establishing Partnerships with Local Police
- Sharing Intelligence and Best Practices with Other Retailers
- Participating in Retail Crime Prevention Networks
9. In-Store Security Measures
- Optimising Store Layout to Deter Crime
- Managing Access Points and Securing High-Value Items
- Use of Undercover Security Personnel
10. Cybersecurity in Retail Crime Prevention
- Protecting Customer and Retailer Data
- Cyber Threats Linked to ORC Groups
- Integrating Physical and Cybersecurity Measures
11. Handling Fraudulent Transactions
- Identifying Red Flags in Transactions
- Training Cashiers and Staff to Recognise Fraud
- Using Technology to Detect and Prevent Fraudulent Activity
12. Incident Response and Crisis Management
- Developing a Retail Crime Incident Response Plan
- Crisis Communication Strategies
- Post-Incident Analysis and Continuous Improvement
13. Supply Chain Security
- Securing the Supply Chain from End to End
- Addressing Cargo Theft and Distribution Vulnerabilities
- Collaboration with Suppliers to Mitigate Risks
14. Legal Prosecution and Restitution
- Working with Legal Teams for Prosecution
- Gathering and Preserving Evidence
- Pursuing Restitution and Civil Remedies
15. Evaluating the Effectiveness of ORC Prevention Strategies
- Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for ORC Prevention
- Continuous Monitoring and Adjustment of Strategies
- Reporting and Communicating Success to Stakeholders
COURSE DURATION:
The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.
COURSE DELIVERY:
Purchase and download course content.
ASSESSMENT:
A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.
CERTIFICATION:
Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.