Leesburg, VA (July 6, 2026) – The Leesburg Police Department invites local business owners, retail managers, loss prevention professionals, and employees to attend the Third Annual Retail Theft Forum on Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Leesburg Police Department Community Room.

Retail theft continues to evolve, with organized retail crime groups and repeat offenders using increasingly sophisticated methods to target businesses. This free forum is designed to provide retailers with valuable information, practical prevention strategies, and an opportunity to engage directly with law enforcement and criminal justice professionals.

This year's forum will feature presentations on:

• Retail Theft Trends: How Criminals Are Targeting Retailers – Detective Mirza Kadric, Leesburg Police Department
• Employee Safety During Retail Theft Incidents – Local Retail Representatives
• What Happens When You Call the Police – Learn what happens from the moment you call 911 through the police response, featuring members of the Leesburg Police Department's Emergency Communications Center (ECC) and Field Operations Division.
• From Arrest to Conviction: What Happens Next – Matthew Lowery, Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney

The forum will conclude with a panel discussion, allowing attendees to ask questions and hear from law enforcement, prosecutors, and members of the retail community.

“Strong partnerships are one of the most effective tools we have to prevent retail theft," said Chief of Police Thea Pirnat. "By bringing businesses, law enforcement, and prosecutors together, we can share information, improve prevention efforts, and help keep our commercial areas safe and thriving."

Registration is now open, and attendance is free.  Space is limited, so register today at 
bit.ly/2026LPDRetailForum.

For questions or additional information, please contact Michele Bowman at 703-771-6509 or mbowman@leesburgva.gov.