RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif., Feb. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- StopORC.org, a major source of information, education and collaboration in combatting organized retail crime (ORC) that is sponsored by Universal Surveillance Systems LLC (USS), will host a series of free webinars beginning February 28 to better equip everyone engaged in combatting ORC. The semi-monthly events will feature subject matter experts who will cover current topics such as ORC trends, theft methods, prevention techniques, investigations, legislation, and how to work with law enforcement.

The first webinar will feature Michigan State Representative Joseph Graves who sponsored two successful 2012 Michigan House Bills, 5843 and 5902, that make organized retail crime a felony and punishable by up to five years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $5,000, or both.

Based on his successful bills, Graves' presentation will provide practical information on crafting and passing state ORC legislation including drafting effective but acceptable language, garnering support and overcoming challenges and opposition. In addition, he will provide suggestions on how webinar attendees can approach and work with legislators to generate similar legislation.

"Organized retail crime is a growing menace to our economy and society," said Rep. Graves. "It was my duty to sponsor legislation to protect retailers and law abiding citizens from these emboldened thieves. I hope to be able to help others duplicate my success across the nation."

Adel Sayegh, founder of StopORC.org and president and CEO of Universal Surveillance Systems, said, "We are fortunate to have such a knowledgeable leader not only as our first guest on our webinars, but on our side fighting against ORC."

The webinars are open only to those engaged in combatting ORC including loss prevention professionals, law enforcement officials, legislators, prosecutors, judges and security experts.

To register for the upcoming February 28 ORC webinar by Rep. Graves, visit www.StopORC.org or call 1-800-488-9097.

The mission of StopORC.org is to fight organized retail crime through information sharing, education and advocacy, while strengthening the cause of loss prevention on a global level. StopORC.org provides a comprehensive centralized resource on ORC for anyone requiring current news and information. It is supported by an advisory board made up of ORC authorities Nelson Harrah, GAP, Inc.; John Morris, Macys; Mark VanBeest, JCP; David Nance, Sabre, Inc.; Scott Sanford, Barnes & Noble, Inc.; Frank Muscato, The Muscato Group; Jason Gonzales, Rite Aid; Dennis Dansak Sr., The Kroger Co.; and Lauren Cunningham, eBay.

About StopORC.org:

The mission of StopORC.org is to fight organized retail crime through information sharing, education and advocacy, while strengthening the cause of loss prevention on a global level. StopORC.org provides a comprehensive centralized resource on ORC for anyone requiring current news and information, such as loss prevention professionals, law enforcement officials, legislators, prosecutors, judges and students writing research papers. Current major areas of emphasis are up-to-date news article postings of ORC crimes and educational webinars by ORC experts.

Sponsored by Universal Surveillance Systems, LLC, StopORC.org is a non-profit, non-commercial site that does not endorse any company or product. As a collaborative resource, StopORC.org welcomes submissions of articles and papers relating to ORC by those focused on fighting ORC. An advisory board of ORC experts provides input and direction to the site. There is no cost to utilize the site, but only pre-qualified users can access restricted sections to prevent sensitive industry information from being disseminated to the general public.

About Michigan State Representative Joseph Graves:

Elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in February 2012, Joseph Graves serves the 51st Michigan House District. His background includes service in the U.S. Army, 32 years as an engineer for GM, and current owner of J&D Select, a real estate, property management and engineering consulting business.  He's earned a bachelor's degree from Sienna Heights University and an MBA from Baker College.

Rep. Graves serves on the Michigan House Committees on Energy and Technology; Health Policy; Military and Veterans Affairs; Local Government; and Criminal Justice. 

In 2012, Rep. Graves sponsored two Michigan House Bills, 5843 and 5902 that were signed into law by Governor Snyder. H.B. 5843 created the "Organized Retail Crime Act", while H.B. 5902 amended the Code of Criminal Procedure to include a violation of the Organized Retail Crime Act in the sentencing guidelines. These House Bills make organized retail crime a felony and punishable by up to five years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $5,000, or both.

As a result of his dedicated work to combat organized retail crime, Rep. Graves was named Legislator of the Year for 2012 by the Michigan Retailers Association in January 2013.

For more information, contact:

Scott Richardson
Corporate Communications Manager
StopORC Foundation
800-488-9097
srichardson@universaleas.com

SOURCE Universal Surveillance Systems LLC