Integrated Solutions for Retailers Magazine - Law Enforcement, Loss Prevention Professionals Honored At NRF Conference

2009 NRF Law Enforcement Retail Partnership Award

NRF’s Law Enforcement Retail Partnership Award is presented each year to individuals in the law enforcement industry who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to support the retail industry in its fight against retail fraud, organized retail crime and other major incidents that affect the retail industry. NRF presented this year’s award to Detective David Hill, Montgomery County Maryland Police Department and Special Agent Philip Soto, United States Secret Service.

In May of 2008, Detective David Hill received a tip from a local retailer about one customer routinely purchasing high-end merchandise with multiple gift cards. By working with Special Agent Philip Soto, Hill uncovered that the credit cards being used to purchase the gift cards were still in the possession of the original owners, tipping them off that there was a potential skimming case in existence.

This case was a partnership between Montgomery County Police Department, the United States Secret Service and several retailers, including Target and Wal-Mart.

“Detective Hill’s initiative to start working the case after a hunch from one of his existing retail contacts shows the significance of the partnerships he’s developed in the retail community,” said NRF Vice President of Loss Prevention Rhett Asher. “Special Agent Soto’s perseverance in connecting the dots between the bankers and retailers and later ensuring the suspects were prosecuted shows his dedication to the retail industry.”

“The tenacity, investigative skills and dedication to this case highlight both Detective Hill and Special Agent Soto’s absolute commitment to the business community, retail industry and Greater Washington metro Area,” continued Asher. “While thousands of people were victimized, many others were spared due to the persistence and determination of Detective Hill and Special Agent Soto in resolving this case.”

Integrated Solutions for Retailers Magazine - Law Enforcement, Loss Prevention Professionals Honored At NRF Conference