There’s no question the retail industry has experienced its share of security issues, from inventory shortages to a spike in organized retail crime and shoplifting. Retail centers also contend with other challenges including vandalism, loitering, parking lot/garage problems and even metals theft.
In May’s Arrest of the Month video, we spotted someone trying to cut open an electrical box behind a California shopping center. He might have gotten away with it, too, if it hadn’t been for our keen-eyed monitoring operator.
A little before two in the morning, a ECAM security operator saw someone walking behind a shopping center. The individual returned to their vehicle and emerged with a pair of bolt cutters. The suspect approached the gate surrounding electrical equipment, cut it open and entered. The trespasser then cut open the electrical box.
While this was taking place, our monitoring professional contacted police. A short time later, officers arrived to find the suspect still on the property. They promptly made an arrest.
Deterring Retail Crime with a Proactive Solution
A retail center is a prime target for materials and wire theft. Besides housing multiple HVAC units which contain valuable copper wires, thieves can also attack transformers, utility meters and electrical boxes. Not only can damaged units cost thousands to replace, but a power loss of any kind could create unhappy tenants.
Because of their unique challenges, retail centers need a security solution designed specifically for their needs. One that covers storefronts, parking areas, rooftops and back alleys. Live video monitoring can provide the ability to watch all of these areas in real time simultaneously. Cameras can be strategically placed around the property then live monitored by trained security professionals.
When the monitoring operators observe suspicious activity, such as someone trying to cut into an electrical box behind a shopping center, they can jump into action. In the video above, our monitoring operator called to dispatch police as soon as the intruder was spotted. Officers arrived while the suspect was still there to make an arrest and prevent major damage.
If you’re interested in learning more about how our proactive monitoring solution can help deter crime while saving up to 60 percent on security expenses, contact us.
