In this episode of Retail's Most Wanted, Detective Roland Burk of the Orem Police Department reveals how a Monday morning email led to breaking a major ORC case spanning multiple states with over $100,000 in stolen merchandise.

Why it matters

This case demonstrates how information sharing between law enforcement agencies across state lines can successfully disrupt organized retail crime operations that target multiple locations.

The big picture

• A BOLO (Be On the Lookout) alert from Michigan connected suspects to similar thefts in Utah
• The crew used specialized backpacks with metal lining to defeat security sensors
• License plate readers helped track the suspects' movements across state lines
• Video surveillance provided crucial evidence linking the cases

Go deeper

Detective Burk's investigation found that seemingly isolated incidents were part of a sophisticated operation with merchandise intended for resale in Mexico.

This episode highlights the importance of retailers maintaining quality surveillance systems and participating in information-sharing networks to combat organized retail crime effectively.

Retail's Most Wanted is presented by LVT and the Attorney General Alliance.

Why it matters: ILORCA (Illinois Organized Retail Crime Association) represents a novel partnership between retailers and law enforcement to combat rising retail theft in a state uniquely positioned as a logistics hub.

By the numbers:

• Illinois state law sets felony theft at $300
• Chicago has the third highest volume of cargo thefts in 2025
• Nationwide cargo thefts have more than doubled to 338 reports monthly

What's working: ILORCA uses real-time intelligence sharing platform Auror to connect retailers and law enforcement across jurisdictions, helping identify patterns and build stronger cases.

The bottom line: After early policy missteps, Illinois has created a collaborative model with ILORCA that's helping reverse retail crime trends through intelligence sharing, education, and policy reform.

Retail's Most Wanted is presented by LVT and the Attorney General Alliance.

The big picture

Heritage Grocers Group operates 65+ stores across multiple banners in California, Texas, Nevada, Arizona, and Illinois, taking a localized approach to asset protection while leveraging technology and law enforcement partnerships.

Why it matters

Their multi-layered security strategy balances asset protection with customer experience, particularly in diverse communities with varying security needs.

Key insights

• Focus on individual theft rather than organized retail crime
• Strong emphasis on local law enforcement partnerships
• Multi-layered technology approach including surveillance and case management
• Customer-centric security measures with bilingual communication focus

The bottom line

Heritage Grocers Group's success stems from tailoring security strategies to local needs while maintaining consistent technology standards across locations.

Retail's Most Wanted is presented by LVT and the Attorney General Alliance.