Shoplifting on the rise: moving beyond traditional systems

Faced with a significant surge in shoplifting, retailers (supermarkets, pharmacies, DIY stores) are on the front line. The scale of the phenomenon is now well documented: according to a report by the National Retail Federation (NRF), in-store theft incidents increased by 93% between 2019 and 2023, with a parallel 90% rise in the associated financial losses. Theft methods have evolved, becoming more organized and less conspicuous, easily getting past conventional security systems. Some product categories are particularly exposed, as shown by the ranking of the most stolen items in large-scale retail.

Traditional video surveillance, although useful, often remains a reactive tool. It provides evidence after the offense, but struggles to prevent loss in real time. This passive approach is no longer enough in the face of increasingly sophisticated theft methods and the rise of organized retail crime, which now affects 67% of retail chains worldwide.

A paradigm shift is therefore imperative, moving from a passive approach to a strategy of intelligent, proactive security. Technology does not replace staff, but rather empowers them. It gives them a powerful tool to protect the store's margins and step in effectively at the right moment.

How AI is transforming in-store security: from reaction to prevention

Intelligent video analysis represents the new generation of in-store security. This technology relies on artificial intelligence to analyze video streams in real time from your existing cameras. Its main function is not to identify people, but to detect specific gestures, previously defined as being associated with shoplifting. Solutions like Oxania, which analyze high-resolution video streams using dedicated GPUs, turn every camera into a vigilant security agent, where systems working in low resolution miss essential details.

Think, for example, of a product concealed in a bag or under a coat, or of quick gestures that betray an attempted theft. The main advantage is immediacy: in under 10 seconds, the system sends an alert to staff or security officers as soon as an at-risk gesture is detected, without any human intervention. Your team then decides what to do next and can step in immediately, to prevent theft before the customer even leaves the store.

Intelligent security and customer experience: a well-managed balance

A major concern for every retailer is to create a secure environment without fostering an atmosphere of mistrust toward customers. AI gesture detection was designed precisely to ensure this balance. It focuses exclusively on gestures, with no facial recognition and no tracking of people's identity, in compliance with privacy protection regulations. This precise and respectful approach avoids any intrusion into the shopping experience.

At the same time, this technology frees your team members from the pressure of having to be everywhere at once. Instead of being passive observers, they become effective responders, guided by precise alerts. They can thus devote themselves fully to their core job: advising and serving customers. The result is a store perceived as safer for staff and customers alike, fostering a positive and welcoming atmosphere, where security is managed intelligently in the background.

Reducing shrinkage: a measurable return on investment

For decision-makers, the direct financial benefits are clear. The primary goal of AI detection is to deliver a measurable reduction in shrinkage. By enabling real-time intervention, the system drastically increases the chances of stopping a theft and recovering the merchandise. This translates into avoided losses and preserved revenue. As the World Economic Forum points out, the adoption of AI in retail is already generating measurable revenue growth for the retailers that integrate it into their operations.

Moreover, this technology makes it possible to optimize human resources: security staff and store managers can allocate their time more efficiently, responding to credible alerts rather than doing random rounds. The data collected also reveals trends, highlighting high-risk areas for strategic adjustments.

Deploying intelligent in-store security: toward a safer and more profitable future

Adopting this technology is much more than a simple update; it is a forward-looking strategic decision to protect your company's assets against constantly evolving threats. One of the major advantages is how simple it is to implement. Solutions like Oxania are designed to integrate seamlessly with a store's existing camera infrastructure, which minimizes disruption and upfront hardware costs . The role of video surveillance integrators is, moreover, central to ensuring an effective deployment tailored to each configuration. This modern approach offers holistic benefits:

  • It directly protects your revenue by reducing theft-related losses.
  • It supports and empowers staff, improving morale and efficiency.
  • It enhances the in-store experience by ensuring a safe shopping environment.

In conclusion, AI gesture detection is an essential tool for any retailer who wants to innovate, secure their profits and build a business that is resilient for the future.