Retailers Share Intelligence To Stop Criminals

"Intelligence" gathering isn't just for the government anymore. Increasingly, retailers are joining in on the trend of keeping a database of pictures, videos and information tied to alleged crimes inside their private stores. That investment is now happening in New Mexico.

In late August, the New Mexico Attorney General's Office announced a new partnership between law enforcement, retail stores and the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce. Paid for by the Chamber, retailers are now using a database run by a company called Auror, which tracks incidents of retail crime. The idea is help public law enforcement agencies better investigate and prosecute cases of retail crime.

The New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas (D) says retail criminals are now making more money by ripping off stores compared to running drugs and stealing cars. This week on the podcast, we're talking to Balderas about how this new database works.

Who has access to information about suspected criminals? How is the data being used? In a candid conversation, Balderas also gives his perspectives on the legislative changes he’s pushing for at the top. 

Here's a link to KRQE Investigative Reporter Ann Pierret's original story about the AG's retail crime operation. Here's a link for more information on how businesses can sign up to take part in the new database.

We love listener feedback! Leave us a review, and email the hosts at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com with your story ideas or feedback. You can also catch us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. For more on this episode and all of our prior episodes, visit our website: KRQE.com/podcasts.