COMBATING RETAIL CRIME AND FRAUD WITH INTELLIGENCE

BY GRANT GRAHAM EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS, NETWATCH

As retailers continue to recover from the obstacles brought on by the pandemic, the landscape of retail security is shifting drastically. Retail organizations, particularly large ones in urban areas, continue to confront persistent threats from traditional theft and more complicated criminal activities such as sophisticated break-ins and vandalism The presence of loiterers, aggressive panhandlers, and unlawful encampments near stores exacerbates the situation, requiring an innovative solution

Retail stores previously relied heavily on passive video surveillance equipment and on-site security guards to reduce these risks Unfortunately, traditional methods are insufficient in today's retail world While passive surveillance systems are critical for reporting incidents, they are reactive rather than proactive, resulting in costly false alarms and unnecessary police dispatch Meanwhile, on-site security guards, while important, may only be in one area at a time and are frequently restricted to monitoring and reporting rather than actively interfering

The use of AI in retail security operations provides a transformative solution to these issues AI-powered systems can analyze massive volumes of video data in real time, detecting suspicious activity and potential threats before they evolve into crimes This proactive method enables instant response ranging f t

AI allows for constant monitoring of every aspect of a retail business, eliminating the limits of human guards. For instance, AI systems can detect unusual behaviors, such as someone attempting to get access to a rooftop or lingering behind a building for a longer amount of time AI-powered security systems can also provide dynamic live voicedowns Unlike prerecorded messages, these live interventions are tailored to the scenario at hand, making them far more successful at deterring intruders This feature is important for preventing theft as well as reducing vandalism and unwanted entry to restricted areas

Implementing AI can lead to significant cost savings

Retailers can reduce operational costs while increasing security efficiency by lowering the need for physical guards and minimizing false alarms Additionally, AI systems generate detailed incident reports that are required for legal and insurance claims, expanding their utility beyond security

Beyond immediate security issues, AI-driven technologies help to create a safer and more inviting workplace for customers, employees, and the community By successfully managing security concerns, retailers may keep their perimeters clean and more secure, preventing illegal encampments and avoiding loitering and panhandling activities that may deter shoppers

The overall approach of combining AI with the power of human operators who are trained to make immediate decisions and engage in live audio voicedowns leads to a level of intelligence that was previously unattainable The combination of technology, people, and intelligence is paving the way to a safer world

As retail environments evolve, so must the techniques for protecting them AI represents a possible road forward, combining technological sophistication with operational efficiency that traditional techniques lack For retailers striving to protect their assets, improve consumer and staff safety, and cut operating costs, AI-powered security solutions are a required progression in their security strategy As we look ahead, incorporating AI into retail security not only aids in the fight against crime and fraud but also enhances community trust and corporate resilience