According to OPTEX Europe, retail crime is on the rise right across Europe. In Italy, for instance, the latest ‘Security in Retail in Italy’ report by Crime&tech shows that inventory discrepancies across the Italian retail and large-scale distribution (GDO) sector averaged 1.38% of annual revenue, with an estimate of total sector losses reaching €4.6 billion between 2021 and the first nine months of 2023.
In 2022, shops across Spain lost a total of €2.28 billion euros to thefts, more than half (53%) of which were carried out by organised groups.
Recent reports from the British Retail Consortium highlight a significant increase in retail crime, with theft and violence against staff reaching record levels. The Annual Crime Survey, covering the period from September 2023 to August 2024, indicates that these issues are escalating. Retail crime vary, from shoplifting and organised retail theft to fraud and vandalism. As criminals become more sophisticated, businesses must implement comprehensive security measures to deter, detect, and respond to threats effectively.
OPTEX’s technologies are designed to enhance security across all areas of retail environments, from the roof, perimeter, approach and interior of the building. In this article the company highlights three of its most popular and effective solutions for retail environments advanced sensing solutions tailored for the retail sector.
BXS and WXS Series Sensors
For approach protection, OPTEX BXS and WXS series PIR sensors offer reliable detection capabilities. These sensors are designed to monitor the immediate vicinity of a building, detecting movement near walls, flat roofs, windows, and other access points. By providing early warning of potential intrusions, they enable security teams to take action before a crime occurs.
FlipX Series
Inside retail spaces, safeguarding highly valuable merchandise and personnel is paramount. Shoplifting, internal theft, and unauthorized access to restricted areas are ongoing challenges for retailers. The FlipX series provides versatile indoor security solutions designed to address these issues.
The Grade 2 and 3 FlipX series has a unique pyroelectric element and rotatable lens which can be rotated to cover narrow areas such as corridors or wide spaces like lobbies, offering flexibility to meet various security needs.
REDSCAN LiDAR Technology
Retailers often face security vulnerabilities at building entrances and rooftops. These areas are frequently targeted for break-ins, with intruders attempting to gain entry through skylights, loading bays, or back doors. The REDSCAN series sensors provide precise detection by creating virtual walls or ceilings, effectively monitoring these critical areas using 2D LiDAR.
LiDAR is effective in detecting unauthorized access by using unique algorithms to detect the size, distance and speed of objects, offering a robust solution for securing roofs and entrances. By establishing an invisible and accurate detection zone, LiDAR ensures that any suspicious activity is quickly identified and addressed.
By integrating these advanced sensing technologies, retailers can establish a comprehensive security strategy that addresses both external and internal threats. In an era where retail crime is becoming increasingly sophisticated, proactive security measures are essential to protecting assets, employees, and customers.
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