A London-based Nisa store has cut shoplifting losses by 90% using Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to help tackle theft, using cameras that can tell what people are putting in their pockets.
The convenience store, which is located in Virginia Quay, was originally losing up to £1,000 a week as consumers helped themselves to products, particularly wine and expensive alcohol, without paying for them. Losses are now less than £100 per week.
The smart AI technology uses software from Veesion which can be connected to the existing cameras and security network through the internet. It then automatically monitors all the cameras for potential shoplifting activity.
The tech then notifies the convenience store staff via an app. When the AI detects any suspicious gestures or movements – which can be anything from unusual browsing patterns to someone putting an item in their pocket – it sends a short video clip of suspicious activity to staff, so they can take action and deal with the suspected shoplifter.
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The software monitors all cameras simultaneously and continuously improves its responses. Over time, as staff use the app to confirm or disregard any potentially suspicious activity, the AI will be able to teach itself the difference between a customer putting their mobile phone away and slipping a product from the shelf into their pocket.
“Shoplifting had always been bad here, but it became a real problem over the past three or four years,” said store manager Sivakumar Pandian.
“Shoplifters were now starting to fight back and staff were getting injured. It’s not acceptable and so we had to think about new ways to address the problem.”
Initially, Pandian added a new camera system and bought in additional security detail. But it wasn’t enough, especially during Covid, when staffing issues made thefts even harder to monitor.
“We needed something that allowed us to be everywhere at once, even when staff were thin on the ground,” Pandian said.
“The new system allows us to do exactly that. It was effective from the very first day we installed it and is only going to get better as time goes on.”
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