Thieves, Inc.

Thieves, Inc. is an intriguing and entertaining reality television series that aired on the Food Network in 2013. The original series added an exciting twist to the usual format of cooking programs and restaurant review shows that we associate with the popular television channel. Breaking away from recipes and culinary adventures, Thieves, Inc. throws a spotlight on the shadowy aspects of the food industry – shoplifting and theft. The captivating series is co-hosted by two security professionals, Scott McDonald and Connie Ribble, who are veterans in the retail-loss prevention industry. Their combined professional expertise and lively rapport serve as the backbone of the series, as they take up each episode's mission to expose and crack down on shoplifting in various food establishments. The structure of Thieves, Inc. includes the investigation of specific cases, based on concerns raised by store owners or managers about suspected theft. Each episode features a different store setting - from family-owned delicatessens, high-end gourmet stores, supermarkets to bustling farmer markets - expanding the scope and interest beyond any standard food or cooking show. The store owners share their concerns about discrepancies in their inventory, suspicions about customers or even employees, and their attempts at loss prevention that did not return satisfactory results. Enter McDonald and Ribble, who are not afraid to get their hands dirty to delve into the problem. They install hidden cameras and use other surveillance techniques to observe and analyze the patterns of theft. What sets Thieves, Inc. apart is that it doesn't only dwell on the act of stealing but also delves into the psychology behind it. The hosts attempt to decipher not just the 'how,' but also the 'why' behind these acts of theft. There's a clear education aspect to the show as it offers viewers an understanding of whether these thefts are opportunistic, compulsive, or strategic. The second half of each episode is just as engaging, as it showcases the host's interventions. McDonald and Ribble expertly produce detailed reports of their findings, confronted suspected shoplifters when needed, and recommend anti-theft strategies to help the shop owners mitigate future losses. These strategies range from revamping store layouts, improving surveillance, employee training for detecting theft, and suggesting effective actions to take if theft is detected. Thieves, Inc. is not just about pointing fingers and pinning blame. Instead, it attempts to create a dialogue on the underlying circumstances that compel people to steal and ways to manage such behaviors without resorting to severe confrontations. A key part of the series also involves educating shop owners on how to better protect themselves and their inventory. The educational aspect of Thieves, Inc. is what genuinely makes it a treasure among the other shows. The show's infusion of suspense, drama, education, and unexpected humor successfully provides entertainment while shedding light on an often overlooked aspect of the food industry. The chemistry between McDonald and Ribble adds a significant layer of entertainment, making it enjoyable viewing irrespective of your interest level in the grocery business or food industry. Their contrasting personalities, professional rivalry, and friendly banter help narrate the process of investigation and resolution in a captivating manner, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats throughout each episode. In a nutshell, Thieves, Inc. is so much more than your standard reality television show. It navigates uncharted territory in TV programming by merging a cooking/food-focused channel's premise with themes of crime and prevention. It's a well-balanced concoction of mystery, learning, and entertainment, sure to captivate viewers from all walks of life. For individuals who appreciate shows about food and enjoy the thrill of unraveling a whodunit, Thieves, Inc. offers a unique experience that's as informative as it is entertaining. It's an underworld tour of the supermarket aisles that you never knew you needed.

Thieves, Inc. is a series categorized as a currently airing. Spanning 1 seasons with a total of 6 episodes, the show debuted on 2013. The series has earned a moderate reviews from both critics and viewers. The IMDb score stands at 6.4.