Danny El Helou is a rising star in the retail loss prevention field, and a strong candidate for the Retail Risk Rising Star of the Year Award. His dedication, innovative approaches, and collaborative spirit have made a significant impact on Woolworths Group and the broader retail community.
Despite his relatively recent entry into the retail sector, Danny has quickly established himself as a leader. He heads the ORC Targeting Team, proactively identifying and prioritising high-risk offenders for investigation. His commitment to this role extends beyond scheduled meetings, readily allocating resources to address emerging threats as needed.
Danny’s leadership is also evident in his management of key projects that have modernised and streamlined loss prevention operations across Woolworths Supermarkets, Big W, and Metro. He successfully oversaw the merging of these brands onto a single Auror platform, integrated Auror with March CCTV systems, implemented Single Sign-On for Loss Prevention Officers, and introduced intelligence-based rostering. These initiatives have enhanced efficiency and collaboration across the organisation.
His investigative skills were instrumental in a high-profile case involving a syndicate targeting Woolworths and Coles stores, resulting in over $180,000 in losses. Danny’s leadership in this investigation, which culminated in the arrest and charging of the offenders, demonstrates his ability to effectively manage complex cases and collaborate with law enforcement.
Danny’s commitment to knowledge sharing and collaboration extends beyond his organisation. He readily assists other retailers in their loss prevention journeys, providing valuable insights and support. He is also a strong advocate for law enforcement, recognising their critical role in combating retail crime. He ensures officers receive comprehensive Auror training, benefiting the entire retail sector.
Danny’s unique perspective, honed during his time with the NSW Police Force, in particular, SF Raptor, allows him to think “outside the box” when tackling organised retail crime. He is a vocal advocate for disrupting ORC networks, actively raising awareness about this issue through platforms like LinkedIn.
Danny’s commitment to safety is unwavering. He consistently prioritises the safety of team members, security guards, and Loss Prevention Officers, fostering a security-conscious culture.
In conclusion, Danny El Helou embodies the qualities of a rising star in the retail risk management field. His proactive approach, innovative thinking, collaborative spirit, and dedication to safety make him a truly deserving candidate for this award.