Retailers across the United States are coming together to address the pressing issue of retail crime, which has cost the industry a staggering $112.1 billion in losses in 2022, as reported by the National Retail Federation’s (NRF) National Retail Security Survey. To draw attention to this issue, October 26 has been designated as ‘Fight Retail Crime Day,’ highlighting the need for collective action.
Interface Systems, a leading player in the security technology field, is actively supporting the NRF’s initiative by offering retailers a comprehensive set of best practices to combat the escalating retail crime wave. As criminals continuously adapt and become more sophisticated, retailers are implementing a range of innovative strategies to protect their businesses, employees, and customers.
Combating Retail Crime Strategies
One key strategy involves the adoption of virtual security guards, a hands-off approach that focuses on protecting staff while avoiding direct confrontation with shoplifters. According to NRF’s survey, 41% of retailers have instituted policies preventing employees from stopping or apprehending shoplifters. To fill this security gap, 46% of retailers are turning to third-party security solutions.
Virtual security professionals use advanced technology, including security cameras, speakers, and microphones, to provide continuous surveillance. This surveillance allows them to identify potential threats, such as disruptive customers or loiterers, and respond immediately through audio warnings or by contacting law enforcement. This approach helps ensure a swift response and boosts employee morale, all while preserving the customer experience and profit margins.
Artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled cameras are another potent tool in the battle against retail crime. These cameras provide real-time threat detection, flagging incidents such as theft or burglary as they happen. When integrated with point-of-sale (POS) systems, they can even identify unscanned items at checkout counters, contributing to loss prevention efforts and optimizing store layouts.
To combat crime at the store perimeter, where vandalism and loitering often occur, AI-enabled cameras integrated with voice-down systems act as vigilant sentinels. They autonomously detect people or vehicles and trigger voice announcements that warn potential wrongdoers of security measures and impending law enforcement response.
These announcements, combined with other security measures like strobes, lights, access control, alarm systems, and remote command centers, contribute to a continuous security presence, increasing the perceived risk for criminals and deterring undesirable activities.
“At Interface, we have made it our mission to bring together best-of-breed technologies augmented with our U.S.-based remote monitoring professionals to tackle a wide range of security threats,” said Sean Foley, Senior Vice President of Customer Success at Interface Systems. “With the right balance of solutions, retailers can protect their assets, customers, and employees without sacrificing margins and the shopping experience.”
As retail crime continues to evolve, it is clear that the industry is equally committed to evolving its strategies, leveraging innovative technologies and security practices to ensure a safer shopping environment for all. “Fight Retail Crime Day” serves as a rallying point for this united effort to combat the challenges posed by retail crime.
About Interface Systems
Interface Systems is a leading managed service provider of business security, actionable insights, and purpose-built networks for multi-location businesses. We enhance security, streamline connectivity, optimize operations, and reduce IT costs, maximizing ROI for the nation’s top brands.
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