Install in-store security systems

While points of sale are mostly open, some lockdown restrictions still require the closure of many premises. This means that both open and temporarily closed physical stores are vulnerable to theft and damage. And while social distancing measures require a minimum distance between people, security technologies are in higher demand than ever.

In-store security can be improved by an organisational and technical method of counteracting criminals. Security policy and employee security training can help to prevent many threats related to employee behaviour, social engineering, etc.

Possible in-store security measures include:

Alarm systems (motion sensors, open/close sensors, glass-break detection, gas and fire analysers, etc.)
Video surveillance systems
Access control systems with RFID chips

The list can be extended, but let’s focus on the most popular measure – RFID chips. Installing RFID chips in your merchandise is one of the best ways to prevent shoplifting in your physical stores. In case an item is illegally removed from a store, the sensor sends a notification to the security team.

The in-store video surveillance system is another method to protect your bottom line. The retail industry has already been leveraging CCTV systems, also known as video surveillance, to protect brick-and-mortar stores from shoplifting. According to Statista, the global video surveillance market has reached $45.5 billion in 2020 and is estimated to grow further to $74.6 billion in 2025. The shift towards cloud-based CCTV systems provides real-time video alerts, allowing the security team to be proactive and prevent loss. Moreover, systems enhanced with AI can identify different items to minimise potential false alarms.

Consumers are not the only cause of the inventory shrink; some employees are also tempted to take items illegally. And loss prevention methods such as the installation of a surveillance system are especially useful in minimising the possibility of internal theft.