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Retail Theft Is Soaring—and AI Video Security Can Help
Theft is becoming an increasingly concerning issue for retailers worldwide. With the rise of online shopping, brick-and-mortar stores are working harder than ever to keep their customers safe and protect their profits. Unfortunately, shoplifting has become a major problem, with many stores struggling to keep pace with the escalating situation.
While it’s easy to blame shoplifters or even employees who steal from their own companies, the truth is that retail theft is a complex issue that requires innovative solutions. And that’s where AI video security comes in.
The benefits of AI-powered video surveillance are numerous and far-reaching. For one thing, these systems can provide an unparalleled level of visibility into store operations. They can watch over every corner of the store, day and night, providing real-time insights that would be impossible for human eyes to detect.
But it’s not just about watching; it’s also about acting. AI video security can alert security personnel in real-time if a theft is happening or about to happen. This proactive approach can stop shoplifting before it starts, saving retailers thousands of dollars and countless headaches.
Some may be concerned about the privacy implications of these systems, but rest assured that advanced algorithms use object detection and similarity search rather than facial recognition to track people and objects. This technology doesn’t require pre-registration or collection of personally identifiable information (PII), so customers can shop in peace while their personal data remains secure.
In addition to deterring theft and preventing losses, AI video security also offers insights that were previously unimaginable. It can identify the most valuable products and areas of the store where theft is most likely to occur. This information can be used to adjust product placement and employee deployment, creating a more secure environment for everyone involved.
The rise of Video Surveillance as a Service (VSaaS) has further enhanced these capabilities. By providing comprehensive security systems available from anywhere, VSaaS solutions have become an essential tool in the retail arsenal. Whether it’s optimizing store layouts or monitoring employee activity, VSaaS can be used to fine-tune store operations and create a safer shopping environment.
It’s time for retailers to join the 21st century and take advantage of these innovative solutions. By embracing AI video security and VSaaS, they can put an end to the scourge of shoplifting and rebuild their businesses with confidence.
The author is a Forbes Technology Council member.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2025/04/10/retail-theft-is-soaring-and-ai-video-security-can-help/
