Securing Shelves: Commercial Remote Security Cameras as the Ultimate Defense Against Shoplifting

Have you noticed more items behind glass and locked up at your local grocery store lately? From razors to baby formula, even everyday essentials are becoming inaccessible without the help of an employee. For customers, this can feel inconvenient. It slows the shopping experience and makes them feel like they’re navigating a high-risk zone rather than making a quick grocery run at their local supermarket.

But the frustration isn't just on the customer side. The efforts to lock up products aren’t overreactions—they’re retailer’s attempts to mitigate loss and keep the business running. However, these security tactics often create an impersonal atmosphere that can deter loyal customers and impact sales.  It's a delicate balancing act: too little security, and you lose money to theft; too much, and you drive away customers. 

In this article, we’ll explore how remote video surveillance provides an unobtrusive layer of protection against retail crime, offering a solution that can complement existing measures and even reduce the need for locked cases and other extreme measures.

The Retail Crime Epidemic

Organized retail crime (ORC) has steadily increased in recent years. According to the 2023 Mid-Year Organized Retail Crime Report, in the first half of 2023, there was a:  

• 95% increase in the average case value
• 18% increase in the number of ORC cases
• 131% increase in the total amounts stolen

This growing threat underscores the need for smarter, more efficient solutions. As criminals become more organized and sophisticated, retailers must find ways to protect their inventory without compromising the customer experience.

4 Benefits of Remote Cameras in Retail Security

Remote video surveillance is a scalable solution to the challenges of modern retail security. It enhances your ability to protect your shelves, customers, and employees without draining resources or disrupting the shopping experience. 

Let’s talk about how. 

1. Deter Theft, Vandalism, and Loitering

Theft, vandalism, and loitering can all have serious impacts on your bottom line and customer experience. Placing remote video surveillance units on your lot creates an outer layer of protection—it hardens your retail location. If potential wrongdoers approach your store only to see cameras actively monitoring every entry and exit, they’re far less likely to attempt any illicit activities. This isn't just theory; in retail environments, our remote surveillance units have resulted in: 

• 66% decrease in shoplifting events
• 86% decrease in the dollar value of shoplifting events
• 70% decrease in parking lot incidents

This means more than just reduced losses. It translates to fully stocked shelves where merchandise remains available for customers to grab, without the need to track down an employee for assistance.

2. Enhance Response Times

Traditional security methods often rely on on-site intervention. When personnel are occupied with other tasks or unable to monitor all areas simultaneously, it leads to delayed response times and leaves gaps in coverage that criminals can exploit. Remote video surveillance systems fill these gaps and ensure constant vigilance. 

When suspicious activity is detected, employees get instant alerts. Then, they can take immediate action in several ways:

• Loudspeakers: Operators can use two-way loudspeakers to address potential criminals directly, warning them that they are being watched and should leave the premises.
• Dispatching law enforcement: Remote operators can quickly dispatch local law enforcement, providing real-time information and live video feeds to assist in apprehending suspects.
• Triggering flashing lights: To deter loiterers and grab attention, operators can activate flashing lights, making it clear that the area is under active surveillance.

This ability to respond instantly is a game changer that significantly reduces the window of opportunity for criminals and increases the chances of apprehension. In fact, our remote video surveillance units have increased shoplifter arrests by up to 380%. 

3. Real-Time Inventory and Shipment Monitoring

Remote viewing can be invaluable when it comes to monitoring the supply chain process. With strategically placed cameras, you can oversee loading docks, storage areas, and the receiving process. This capability allows you to:

• Monitor deliveries: Ensure that shipments arrive on time and that the unloading process is handled efficiently. Surveillance footage can verify delivery times, track the movement of goods from the loading dock to the shelves, and confirm that the correct quantities and types of products are received.
• Reduce shrinkage: By keeping a close watch on the delivery and stocking process, you can reduce losses due to misplaced or stolen inventory. This level of oversight helps maintain accurate inventory counts and minimizes discrepancies.
• Verify vendor compliance: Use video records to ensure that vendors are complying with delivery schedules and protocols. This verification helps maintain strong vendor relationships and ensures consistent stock availability.

And the best part is that you can manage and oversee the entire process from anywhere—so if delivery schedules change or unexpected issues arise, you don’t have to worry about changing schedules or swapping shifts.

4. Increase Safety for Customers and Employees

Protecting products is crucial, but the impacts of securing shelves with remote video surveillance go far beyond fully stocked inventory. 

For customers, the visible presence of a security system—one that doesn’t interrupt their shopping experience—offers peace of mind, allowing them to shop with confidence. They know that their safety is a priority, which can lead to longer store visits and increased customer loyalty.  Plus, secure, fully stocked shelves mean that they can find the products they need, when they need them.

Employees benefit greatly from this layer of protection as well. Knowing they're working in a secure environment can reduce stress and increase job satisfaction. Moreover, enhanced security makes their jobs easier. With fewer incidents of theft, employees spend less time on restocking, checking inventory, and managing shrinkage. This allows them to focus more on providing excellent customer service and keeping the store running smoothly.

Add a Layer of Protection with LVT

In an era where retail crime is becoming increasingly common and sophisticated, remote video surveillance offers a smart and flexible solution that evolves with your needs. While you might still need to lock certain high-value items, remote surveillance adds an extra layer of protection that helps keep your shelves secure and your business thriving. 

Ready to leverage the power of remote viewing? Contact our team today to learn more.