Safeguarding Retail: Smart Security Strategies and Technologies

Retailers face numerous challenges in maintaining the safety of their stores and staff. Key concerns include ensuring the security of both customers and employees, preventing theft, and addressing emerging security threats. Adopting a proactive strategy incorporating appropriate technology, comprehensive training, and strategic planning is crucial to managing these issues effectively. Here are the most popular solutions:

• Video Surveillance with AI: Advanced camera technology integrates high-resolution security cameras with artificial intelligence and analytics to identify suspicious behavior, recognize license plates and faces, and differentiate between people and animals

• Video analytics: Descriptive video analytics are essential in various applications, including inventory management, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and people counting. These analytics enable businesses to accurately identify and track different entities, such as objects, individuals, and animals.  Predictive video analytics use sophisticated algorithms and machine learning techniques to analyze video footage in real-time. By continuously monitoring and assessing activities within a designated area, they can identify suspicious or aggressive behaviors, such as unusual gatherings, loitering, or unexpected movement patterns

• Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) Tags: These systems utilize tags and sensors to prevent shoplifting by triggering an alarm if unpaid items are taken past a checkpoint.

• Access Control Systems: These systems can limit access to specific store areas, ensuring only authorized personnel can enter sensitive locations. Access control can also be used for people counting and integrated into a central video management system (VMS) to automate events and actions and to alert security or law enforcement.

• Intrusion Detection Systems: These systems use motion sensors and alarms to alert security personnel to unauthorized access attempts, particularly during off-hours. Intrusion systems integrated with video analytics can prevent false alarms, implement perimeter security, and save on manpower needed to protect retail locations. Intrusion detection systems integrated with a Video Management System like CORTROL can be monitored remotely and automate actions to respond to detected intrusions.

• Public Display Monitors: Positioned to face retail customers as they enter a store or at self-checkout, these monitors indicate the presence of video surveillance and can aid in overseeing multiple areas simultaneously. The monitors equipped with cameras can also integrate with AI analytics and VMS biometrics.

• RFID Technology: Radio Frequency Identification helps track inventory and reduce shrinkage by providing real-time product movement and location data.

• Biometric Security Systems: These advanced systems utilize fingerprint, facial, palm/vein, and retina recognition to provide an additional layer of security. They are designed to control access to high-value areas and can alert personnel or law enforcement when a person. A scalable VMS with a face recognition module can send alerts in real-time to employees and law enforcement when a known criminal, has entered their property

• Panic Buttons: Discreetly placed throughout the store or worn by staff, these buttons enable quick alerting of security or law enforcement in an emergency. In September 2024, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed the Retail Worker Safety Act, which requires large retailers to take extra safety measures, such as installing panic buttons and workplace violence prevention programs. The legal requirements mandate that retailers with 500 or more employees must equip all staff with wearable or mobile panic buttons.

• Lighting and Visibility Solutions: Well-lit areas help prevent criminal behavior while enhancing the visibility of customers and employees, which fosters a safer shopping atmosphere. Strategically positioned lighting at store entrances and exits enables security personnel to more effectively monitor activity while also providing customers with a sense of security as they enter and exit the premises. Lighting can also improve the performance and clarity of video surveillance and analytics.

A comprehensive security plan that combines technology with human vigilance is the best way to protect a store and create a welcoming and secure environment for everyone. Advanced surveillance systems can help by monitoring events in real-time, deterring potential theft, and quickly addressing incidents. Retailers should also work closely with local law enforcement and security experts to strengthen their security strategy.  

By integrating advanced technologies such as surveillance cameras with AI capabilities, biometric surveillance software, AI analytics, and automated alert systems, organizations can significantly enhance their ability to prevent and respond to potential threats. This proactive approach minimizes the risk of breaches and streamlines operations, reducing the need for costly interventions later and enhancing their customer's trust and loyalty to the brand.

Resources

• https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/103503-new-york-state-enacts-law-requiring-panic-buttons-for-large-retailers
• https://www.nssf.org
• https://interfacesystems.com/blog/retail-video-analytics/
• https://www.securitymagazine.com/articles/99212-video-analytics-offer-retailers-benefits-that-go-beyond-security