Retailers look beyond alarms and CCTV to reduce theft. With New Zealand retailers losing millions of dollars every year due to security breaches, the search for the right technology to combat this problem continues, say Brett Judd, exhibition director, Security 2012 Exhibition and Brad White, managing director, Videofied. 

According to the New Zealand Retailers Association, it is estimated that retail crime costs New Zealand a staggering $2.08 million a day, yet a large proportion of retailers still rely on sales staff and outdated equipment rather than specialist security technology to prevent in-store and after-hours theft. These are tough economic times for many retailers and security is not always considered to be a top priority, with many going without adequate and effective security technologies, exposing themselves as soft targets to thieves.

Prevention is key

After-hours theft, like break, enter and steal offences against retailers, is commonplace, and it is generally only after being a victim that security measures are addressed and the true damage and loss is revealed. In most instances, the major cost after an incident isn’t just loss of goods, but also includes disruption to business operations and repair of damages.

It is common knowledge in the retail industry that standard alarm and CCTV surveillance systems are little deterrent to seasoned criminals who commonly return to the same business premises time and again. When assessing after-hours security technology it is important to consider solutions that will not only catch the criminal in the act, but prevent the crime being repeated in the future by ensuring the police can successfully prosecute.

Video verified by back-to-base control room technologies typically has the best results in relation to reducing repeat offences. Video-verified alarm systems allow police to identify whether alarm triggers are false or positive and it is only once police identify that a real intruder is present that they consider the callout ‘high priority’. This type of technology is having a great impact on minimising instances of breaking, entering and stealing, particularly when aiming to prevent and limit after-hours intrusions. 

The year ahead

The retail sector is expected to make significant investments in next-generation alarm systems, CCTV, and access technologies such as wireless ID tags to improve in-store security. Next-generation typically means that devices are IP-enabled (connected to the internet) so that multiple devices can feed information from each other and the store can be more easily connected to external systems, such as shopping centre security and law enforcement, to trigger a timely response.

Store design will also evolve so that even at times with only skeleton staff, shoplifting can be minimised – for example, by avoiding corners and aisles with poor visibility. Cash in transit is another area for retailers to heed.

The Security 2012 Exhibition will showcase the latest in secure vehicle design and training programmes in this area. This year’s Security 2012 Exhibition will be held in Sydney, Australia from 25-27 July and will showcase the latest industry security innovations ranging from alarms, CCTV and access technologies, network and mobile security solutions and robotics to a raft of new training courses, perimeter security solutions and even custom-built armoured vehicles.

The event is expected to attract more than 4500 visitors from government and private enterprises and more than 150 local and international exhibitors. For further information visit www.securityexpo.com.au