Why cloud connected security cameras are a game changer for retailers

The ongoing rampage of retail crime across high streets, malls and local stores might seem unbeatable to most physical stores and their security teams, but there are ways to combat them. Rather than put up with repeat thefts, anti-social behaviour, damage and abuse, stores can use smart cameras to change the game.

While many businesses will spend a fortune on cybersecurity, some are happy to leave old security cameras up as a sole deterrent to prevent in-store crime. However, the rise of IP cameras gives businesses a fresh advantage, notably across larger and multi-site retail operations, but also for smaller store owners. IP cameras connect to the cloud giving off-site teams the ability to monitor multiple stores and cameras at once.

The Power and Benefits of AI for Retail Security

That is still not particularly efficient, but AI systems can monitor all your feeds at once and use threat detection to identify suspicious individuals or activity, getting security in the right place faster to prevent crime and act as a deterrent.  

AI remembers and learns, so it can detect the repeat but opportunist offenders, or the same approaches to organised crime, identify faces and save time-and-date stamped evidence to support the police, and for prosecutions.

Single-store systems, especially those in crime hot spots, can alert store assistants that trouble has arrived. When combined with commercial access control systems to prevent unathorised access, they can also deliver audio warnings or alerts, which can reassure customers who get caught up in any situation.

Larger stores with extensive outdoor areas can also use exterior IP cameras to identify vehicles, gatherings of people who may cause trouble. While panoramic cameras can follow people over some distance, tracking movements to help security teams locate suspects or people in trouble.

Night vision and multi-mode IP cameras can operate 24/7 in all weathers, covering areas where staff often don’t tread, and protecting the business without the need for manual intervention through automated sirens, vocal alerts or other proactive measures.

The Power of Camera Data to Protect Retail Stores

Any size of business can adopt an IP camera security system and scale it up as their needs change, creating a cost-efficient way of protecting stores, stock, workers and customers.

Data is kept securely offsite, improving management oversight and ensuring privacy and compliance regulations are followed. Data analytics can build up patterns of activity, helping managers track both external crime and internal store thefts or misbehavior, helping improve team and operational performance.

And with data in the form of photos, video and other insights accessible through the cloud, security teams are notified about who or what they are looking for through their smart device or phone, improving response times and helping clear up incidents faster. All with fewer cases of mistaken identity and helping to improve the customer experience through a more reassuring presence.

Smarter Security With Greater Flexibility at Lower Costs

Modern 4K smart IP cameras with zoom are infinitely more flexible than rigid earlier models, providing greater insights into criminal or suspicious activity. And as the back-office software is always improving, new features arrive to improve security on a regular basis without extra cost.

Whatever you invest in, smarter security delivers more economic benefits and helps deliver a flexible response from security. These and other benefits give the business data and compliance protection beyond theft or damage.

And, by preventing incidents before they happen, responding to them faster and helping reassure staff and customers, retail businesses can save significantly on damage, loss and recovery expenses.

In an increasingly challenging retail environment, where some stores appear more like the wild west to customers, security upgrades are not just about protection. They act as a strategic investment in long-term cost efficiency and greater peace of mind, helping reduce lost customers, staff turnover and theft or damage.

And this isn’t just marketing talk, stores and streets are adopting technology to help fight crime and be more proactive at a time of falling police resources to collectively protect their retail efforts. And cloud and IP cameras can work together to create a broader level of protection compared to a single store.