Late-night work crews on the property for legitimate reasons or criminals masquerading as work crews breaking into commercial retail properties to steal high-value items? It may not be easy to spot the differences without context, but that is why AI-driven live video surveillance technology, coupled with skilled security personnel, is an invaluable solution.
In this Arrest of the Month video, our team of security professionals helped deter a theft attempt at a commercial retail property with their quick thinking and attention to detail.
At roughly 3:30 am, live video monitoring center operators observed what they initially believed may be workers entering a business within a shopping center client’s property. A few moments later, staff determined that no workers were scheduled to be onsite, and the intruders were observed loading their vehicle with items from inside the business. Onsite audible alarms were activated and police contacted. Responding officers intercepted the suspects as they attempted to leave the property, placing them under arrest.
Growing Theft and Break-ins at Commercial Retail Properties
The commercial retail property industry has been grappling with a significant surge in theft and break-in incidents in recent years. According to the National Retail Federation’s 2024 report, retailers experienced a 93% increase in the average number of shoplifting incidents per year in 2023 compared to 2019, alongside a 90% rise in financial losses attributed to shoplifting during the same period. This troubling trend is illustrated further by data from Capital One, who reported that retail theft resulted in losses of $121.6 billion in 2023, and projections indicating that these losses could continue to rise to over $150 billion by 2026 if left unaddressed.
With all the risks associated with commercial retail properties and internal and external theft, break-ins, organized retail crime (ORC), and other pressures, it’s not surprising that many in the commercial retail property space are seeking more effective and comprehensive security solutions that can help combat these issues. Comprehensive, proactive security measures can make a significant impact on property owners’ bottom lines, helping to attract more retailers to vacant properties and help ensure existing retail tenants are satisfied with their location’s safety.
A Proactive Approach to Commercial Retail Property Security
Protecting your commercial retail property from theft and break-ins is essential for maintaining a safe and thriving business environment. A strong security presence not only helps discourage criminal activity but can also contribute to tenant confidence, attract customers, and help mitigate liability risks. Live video monitoring is a game-changing solution that goes beyond traditional security measures to deliver proactive crime prevention.
Our advanced live video monitoring system seamlessly integrates AI-driven surveillance technology with a team of highly trained security professionals. This powerful combination enables real-time detection and intervention, delivering a flexible solution that fuses human expertise and ingenuity for effective threat deterrence- often stopping criminal acts before they can escalate. When suspicious activity is identified, our operators can issue live audible warnings, deterring intruders in the moment. If additional action is needed, our team can quickly contact local law enforcement, providing dispatchers with real-time verification of activity in progress, which often results in a prioritized response.
The effectiveness of live monitoring is evident- many incidents lead to law enforcement apprehending suspects in the act or nearby, preventing potential property loss and reducing damage. Compared to traditional security methods, live video monitoring offers unmatched value and ROI – without compromising protection.
Investing in proactive security measures like live video monitoring helps retail property owners minimize risks while creating a safer environment for tenants and customers. To learn more about how cutting-edge solutions can protect your property, contact us today for a consultation and to book your demo.
