Organized Retail Crime in 2026: Emerging Trends and What Retailers Need to Know

Retail theft is escalating at an unprecedented pace, posing serious challenges for stores nationwide in 2026. Incidents of shoplifting and merchandise theft are becoming increasingly frequent and organized, disrupting daily operations, straining staff, and cutting into already tight profit margins. Stores that once faced occasional theft are now confronting persistent, coordinated attempts that demand proactive […]

Retail Security Review: The Rise of Organized Retail Crime During the Holiday Season

Retail Security

The holiday season is great for business—but it’s also the time when organized retail crime (ORC) hits hardest. December’s packed stores, distracted shoppers, extended hours, and overwhelmed staff create the perfect environment for coordinated theft groups to operate. These crews are strategic, fast, and increasingly aggressive, which means retailers must be more prepared than ever. […]

The Role of Retail Security During Seasonal Hiring and Employee Turnover

retail security

As the late fall season approaches, retailers prepare for one of the busiest times of the year. From Halloween and Thanksgiving to Black Friday and the lead-up to the holidays, stores experience a surge in customer traffic. To meet this demand, many businesses hire temporary staff, leading to increased employee turnover and a higher risk […]

Supply Chain Security for Peak Season: Staying Ahead Before the Holiday Rush

For retailers and distributors, the weeks before the holiday season can make or break the year. As the holiday shopping season creeps closer, September becomes the golden window for retailers, distributors, and logistics providers to lock down their operations. By the time Q4 hits, shipping lanes are busier, warehouses are fuller, and every link in […]

Retail Security Tips for Spring 2025: How Retailers Can Stay Secure During the Shopping Season

Retail-Security

As the weather warms up and shoppers flock to stores, the 2025 spring shopping season is set to bring increased foot traffic to retail businesses. While this boost in activity is great for sales, it also presents security challenges. Implementing effective retail security strategies is essential to safeguarding businesses from rising shoplifting and organized retail […]

Why Retail Security is Crucial for 2024 Holiday Sales Events

The holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year for retailers. With consumers eager to score the best deals on gifts, décor, and more, holiday sales events can drive a significant portion of a business’s annual revenue. However, this increased activity also brings heightened risks. From theft and fraud to safety concerns in […]

Maximizing ROI: How Retail Security Investments Pay Off for Retailers

How-Retail-Security-Investments-Pay-Off-for-Retailers

In today’s competitive retail environment, protecting your assets is just as important as attracting customers. Retail shrinkage, which includes losses from theft, fraud, and administrative errors, is a significant concern for retailers. According to the National Retail Federation, shrinkage cost the retail industry over $61.7 billion in 2019 alone. Investing in retail security can seem […]

Securing the 2023 Holiday Season: Strategies for Preventing Loss in Retail

Strategies for loss in retail

The National Retail Federation forecasts historic holiday sales for December 2023. Holiday spending is expected to reach record levels and will grow between 3% and 4% over 2022 to between $957.3 billion and $966.6 billion. The holiday season is upon us, bringing with it a surge of festive cheer and one of the busiest and […]

Strengthening Defenses: Chicago Retailers Unite Against Organized Retail Crime

According to reports from the National Retail Federation, Chicago is one of the top 5 U.S. cities most affected by organized retail theft. The bustling streets of Chicago have long been known for their vibrant retail scene, drawing in countless shoppers seeking everything from high-end fashion to local treasures. Unfortunately, with this commercial success comes […]

Protos
Headquarters

383 Main Ave, Suite 505
Norwalk, CT 06851, USA
Phone: 203.941.4700

Protos
Headquarters

383 Main Ave, Suite 505
Norwalk, CT 06851, USA
Phone: 203.941.4700

Mark Hjelle

Chief Executive Officer

Mark Hjelle is the CEO of Security Services Holdings, LLC as well as Protos Security and its subsidiaries. Mark is an experienced Chief Executive Officer and Board Member who has led large national business and facilities services firms for nearly 25 years delivering strong top- and bottom-line growth while building high-performing teams with strong culture. Most recently, he was CEO for CSC ServiceWorks, a B2B2C provider of technology-enabled consumer services. Prior to CSC, Mark was President of Brickman/Valleycrest a national provider of exterior landscape and snow removal services. Over the course of his 18-year tenure at Brickman, he held numerous leadership positions in operations, finance and business development. Mark holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from The Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Government Administration from the University of Pennsylvania Fels Institute of Government and a Law Degree from Case Western Reserve School of Law.