Retail crime is no longer just about petty theft—it’s a growing, complex threat affecting every layer of the industry, from storefronts to supply chains. In this issue of Security Technology Executive, we spotlight the escalating wave of organized retail crime (ORC) and how advanced technologies, such as AI-powered video analytics, RFID tracking, and smart shelving, are being deployed to counter it. Yet, as our coverage makes clear, tech alone is not the silver bullet.

Veteran journalist Liz Martinez delivers a compelling, in-depth look at ORC’s insidious impact on retail, exposing how these sophisticated criminal networks operate and evolve. We also explore trending issues such as flash mob thefts, return fraud, and online fencing, offering insight into the strategies real-world security teams are using to stay ahead.

This issue is both a warning and a call to action: fighting retail crime demands not just more innovative technology, but also smarter policy, collaboration, and leadership.

Ushering in Security Executive Magazine

Name changes for magazines are not done lightly. Security Technology Executive has been an industry staple for over 25 years, having transitioned from Security Technology & Design in the early 2000s.

Beginning with the July/August issue, the staff and editors of STE are introducing a new name and logo that reflect the publication's evolution over the last three decades. Welcome to Security Executive, the fresh look and content of where we and the end-user industry is now.