However, as ‘encouraging’ as these figures are, there is still a long way to go and attending the annual Retail Fraud Conference, 20 April 2010, is again proving a popular choice with registrations from names including Abbey National, The Body Shop, Dobbies plc, JD Sports, Monsoon Accessorize, Office Depot, Pentland Brands and Staples, all determined to find out how to best combat fraud and improve the bottom line in 2010 and beyond.

Now in its 7th year, Retail Fraud is the largest retail fraud and loss prevention conference in the UK, and is regarded as the definitive event for all aspects of on-line fraud and technology solutions to prevent fraud within the multi-channel retail environment. Hosted by Retail Knowledge, the event is ever more significant as the current economic climate impacts on the level of fraud and retailers recognise the benefits of implementing technology to reduce losses through employee and customer theft. In 2009, over 470 delegates, including over 160 of the top 250 UK retailers by turnover, attended this flagship event.

Each year, the conference features a stellar line-up of international speakers, and this year will be no exception as it focuses on two main topics - Technology and Online Fraud.

Within the Technology Solutions’ theatre, sponsored by Retail Decisions & Cybersource, Brand Elverston, Walmart’s Director of Asset Protection Systems, will present “How the world’s largest retailer tackles its losses”. He will give an exclusive overview of Walmart’s Asset Protection structure and strategy including its approach to: organised retail crime; the concept of both fusing and maximising available assets such as CCTV, EAS, biometrics, etc; the need for retail Asset Protection/Loss Prevention to pursue new technologies and to move away from mechanical gadgets to secure merchandise; and focus and importance of mission alignment with operations.

Jo Day, Profit Protection Manager, Crabtree & Evelyn, will present “Jams and Jerusalem - Starting Out - Setting up a Profit Protection function in an already established brand”. Crabtree and Evelyn is a cherished brand that attracts customers from all over the world to sample its quintessentially English lines from its jams to its extensive beauty range. Jo Day will discuss starting out on the loss prevention adventure and the challenges and expectations of managing a ‘random’ stock file and the company’s extensive plans moving forward.

Joining the line-up will be Jane Titley, Head of Loss Prevention for Europe at Claire’s Accessories, who will outline her experiences of successfully deploying a loss prevention forensic analysis solution. The presentation, entitled “Shrink the Shrink - A fresh look at Forensic Analysis” will focus on several key areas from building a strong business case for investment, through to delivering exceptional ROI back to the business by driving down internal fraud and increasing procedural compliance.

Other speakers in this track will include John Murphy, Head of Loss Prevention, Lifestyle Sports, Simon Hoyle, VP - Security & Business Risk, Majid Al Futtaim Group LLC, Lee Kettlewell - Retail Crime, Home Office and Becky Weafer, Senior Account Manager, Experian.

Tesco.com has placed increase focus on its fraud prevention methods over the last two years. Now, as the business evolves, and branches into new markets such as clothing and entertainment, fraud prevention is a key part of the strategy and operations. This focus has highlighted the benefits of continually monitoring trends in order activity. Catherine Tong, Fraud Manager, Tesco Online, will join the Online Fraud stage, sponsored by Experian and Volumatic, and present her thoughts on how she has minimised costs and maximised business opportunities through the implementation of appropriate tools and processes at the UK’s largest online retailer.

As one of the world’s largest online marketplace, eBay is introducing its fraud strategy, PROACT, in the UK to detect and prevent stolen items being auctioned. Stoney Burke from eBay’s US PROACT team will offer insight into the programme’s success in the US and present some ‘best practice’ with regards to retailers and the online community working together to solve crime.

Joining the Online Fraud stage will be Natalie Quest, Policy and Projects Manager, CIFAS, Superintendent Charlie McMurdie, Head of PceU, Metropolitan Police.

In line with previous years, the 2010 event also offers a wide range of exhibitors including The 3rd Man, IntelliQ, Quova, 192.com, Orridge, OCS, Gunnebo and Volumatic, along with first time appearances from companies including Axis Communications, CSC, Nedap, OCS and WIS International.

Finally, the conference will include a choice of five extended and in-depth masterclass sessions covering the hottest topics within Retail Fraud and Loss Prevention.

Paul Bessant, Managing Director of Retail Knowledge, said: “With the conference’s reputation for providing high quality speakers and showcasing the very latest in new technologies, this has always been a popular event. To support its importance to the industry, we have seen more delegates sign up year on year, as retailers recognise the importance of finding ways to combat a problem which making serious in-roads into the bottom line.”

For the first time, Retail Knowledge will be hosting an event during the evening before the conference on behalf of ShopWatch, an innovative new partnership bringing the retail industry and the police together in the fight against crime in stores and on the streets.

According to ShopWatch, there is a distinct divide down the high street with some key names such as Sainsbury’s, JD Sports, Mothercare, Waitrose, Lidl and Marks and Spencer already benefiting from the initiative and reaping the rewards that it brings. However many retailers are not yet involved in this national programme and missing out on a valuable resource.

The free to attend event will offer retailers and brands the opportunity to find out more about ShopWatch and network with retails peers, all in the stunning surroundings of the Metropolitan Police’s stunning Empress Building, complete with revolving observation facility.

The Retail Fraud conference will open for registration at 8.15am with presentations commencing at 9.00 until 17.00, followed by a networking opportunity and complimentary bar.

The venue is the Novotel London West, 1 Shortlands, London W6.

To find out more about the event and others from Retail Knowledge, please visit www.retail-knowledge.com