Proactive Video Monitoring for Retail and Shopping Centers
Retail businesses across the US are facing unprecedented times as we emerge from the pandemic. Already a prime target for theft and vandalism, big box retail locations, especially in urban areas, are a prime resting spot for those who are unhoused and others who might use the locations for things like panhandling or even more nefarious activities. Setting up encampments, or using the shelter of buildings, alley ways and dumpster areas presents an added challenge of keeping the store perimeter clean and with a sense of safety for employees, vendors and customers.
Another new challenge, more savvy criminals are gaining access to building roofs with the intention of either stealing precious materials (i.e., copper from air conditioning units), or more sophisticated Mission Impossible style crimes of breaking into businesses from the top and lowering themselves into businesses, like jewelry stores, through the ceiling.
Common Challenges Facing Big Box Retail Stores
Aggressive panhandling and harassment of patrons
Illicit activities taking place in alleyways and behind buildings
Extensive loitering and homeless encampments
Unsafe dumpster diving and unfettered access
Graffiti, vandalism and even public urination
Traditional Security Options – Not Cutting It
The two most common security options retailers have turned to — passive video surveillance systems and on-site security guards — are no longer cutting it.
Traditional video security solutions such as video surveillance and video verification only respond to criminal activity; they do not prevent it. Additionally, with these solutions, whether or not there is an actual threat, they will dispatch to law enforcement, potentially costing businesses expensive false alarm fees and possibly affecting future law enforcement response for real incidents.
On-site guards and drive-by patrol services are more costly than ever and present additional challenges. Guard services are limited in their effectiveness, they are only human after all. Guards cannot be everywhere at once, so they may not be in the right place at the right time when an incident is happening. Furthermore, guards are often there to observe and report, not to intervene. Paying thousands of dollars per month for guard services that can only respond to incidents, not prevent them, isn’t the best solution.
The Better Way to Protect Retail Properties
When it comes to retail security, the most effective solution is Netwatch Proactive Video Monitoring (PVM).
Proactive Video Monitoring is not like traditional monitoring. With PVM, it’s possible to intervene before the crime happens, and prevent it from occurring. This differs from traditional monitoring, which is reactive – meaning no action is taken until during or after a crime has taken place. This can have severe consequences as theft, vandalism, violence, and other criminal activity can devastate your business financially.
With the myriad of threats to retail businesses, using traditional video surveillance only to create a record of an incident or notify authorities of what turns out to be a false alarm is no longer good enough. Netwatch PVM identifies suspicious activity or unwanted behavior the moment it’s detected and deters the intruders with live, personalized audio warnings and immediate calls to law enforcement.
Furthermore, our intelligent detection solution provides a 24/7, 365-day security guard, reducing the need for hiring security guards, potentially saving you 70-80% annually.
With over 125,000 crimes prevented to date, Netwatch Proactive Video Monitoring is the proven way to protect your retail business.
