In 2023, the retail landscape experienced a significant upheaval, marked by an alarming 80% surge in store closures compared to the previous year, as reported by Coresight Research. Behind this distressing trend lies a mounting wave of thefts and organized retail crime, posing grave threats to the safety of both employees and customers alike.
Target CEO Brian Cornell underscored the severity of the situation in August 2023, revealing a staggering 120% increase in assaults on Target store workers during the first five months of the year compared to the corresponding period in the previous year. Despite implementing heightened security measures, including the addition of security guards, Target acknowledged the persistent challenges in safeguarding their stores against thefts and ensuring operational success.
The ripple effect of rising crime extends beyond Target, with retailers like Whole Foods, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Ulta Beauty grappling with similar challenges. And it seems that no industry is unaffected. Department stores, grocers, electronics, big-box, small-box – everyone is experiencing the damaging effects. Temporary closures, such as the one experienced by Whole Foods in San Francisco due to safety concerns, underscore the dire consequences of unchecked criminal activities on business viability.
The Pandemic Affect
The pandemic exacerbated the situation, witnessing a surge in smash-and-grab retail robberies orchestrated by organized theft rings targeting major chains across the United States. This onslaught of crime prompted retailers like Walmart, CVS, and Dollar General to make difficult decisions to close stores, citing theft and underperformance as primary reasons.
The closure of stores by major retailers underscores a pressing need for proactive measures to combat organized retail crime. The Public Policy Institute of California’s crime data reflects a concerning uptick in commercial burglaries and robberies, painting a grim picture of the challenges faced by retailers on the front lines of this battle.
Walmart CEO Doug McMillon’s warning about the potential repercussions of escalating theft rings true, as businesses grapple with the dilemma of either raising prices or closing stores to mitigate losses. The closure of Walmart stores in cities like Portland and Chicago underscores the severity of the issue and the urgency for comprehensive solutions. Not only do the companies lose large revenue channels, but unemployment rises, former employees struggle to provide for their families, and a never-ending circle of crime is created.
Organized shoplifting not only exacts a heavy financial toll on businesses and employees but also fosters an environment of fear and uncertainty for both customers and store owners. As the retail landscape navigates these turbulent waters, prioritizing enhanced security measures becomes imperative to safeguarding the future of retail and fostering safer communities.
Effective Security Solutions to Minimize Retail Theft and Risk
Site Secure currently protects retailers, large and small, across the United States. Here are 13 ways that our mobile security towers are helping our current retail clients protect their employees, patrons, profits, and peace of mind:
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Surveillance Coverage
Site Secure towers provide elevated vantage points, enabling comprehensive surveillance coverage of large retail store premises, including parking lots, loading docks, and exterior areas where theft or vandalism may occur.
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Deterrent Effect
The presence of a visible security tower acts as a deterrent to potential thieves and vandals, dissuading criminal activity and reducing the likelihood of theft or damage. We add red and blue strobe lights to act as an additional deterrent.
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Remote Monitoring
Our Solar-powered towers are equipped with advanced surveillance cameras and monitoring systems, allowing store owners and authorized stakeholders to remotely monitor the store premises in real-time, 24/7, from any phone, tablet or computer, and from anywhere in the world.
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Motion Detection
Integrated motion detection sensors will alert owners, store managers and security personnel to any suspicious activity or unauthorized movements within the vicinity of the retail store, enabling prompt intervention and response.
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Two-Way Speaker
Each Site Secure tower is equipped with a 2-way speaker, allowing owners, security personnel and/or Site Secure’s Monitoring Center to speak directly to perpetrators. Trespassers, loiterers, and those with ill-intent will be told to leave and warned that police dispatch is in progress.
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Night Vision Capabilities
Equipped with IR-illuminated cameras, the tower ensures continuous surveillance and monitoring of the retail store premises, even in low-light or nighttime conditions, mitigating the risk of theft or vandalism after hours.
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Professional Monitoring Center
Solar-powered towers are outfitted with emergency communication systems, enabling immediate communication with law enforcement or security personnel in the event of a security breach or emergency. With Site Secure’s Monitoring service, we will dispatch local police on your behalf while you slumber comfortably in your bed. This is ultimate peace of mind.
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Flexibility and Mobility
The mobile nature of our security towers allows for flexible deployment to areas of high risk or where security needs may vary over time, ensuring optimal coverage and protection for the retail store. Our small footprint will fit in spots that competitors cannot, without taking up valuable parking spaces.
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Weather Resistance
Whether your retail store or retail center is in Phoenix, San Diego, Seattle, Chicago, New York, or Miami, our towers are designed to withstand all weather conditions, including rain, wind, and extreme temperatures. Solar-powered security towers provide reliable performance and surveillance capability regardless of environmental challenges. Backup batteries ensure uninterrupted service even during a long stream of cloudy days.
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Cost-Effectiveness
Solar-powered towers offer a cost-effective security solution for large retail stores, covering MORE space with LESS money, while eliminating the need for traditional power sources and reducing ongoing operational costs associated with human security monitoring.
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Integration with Security Systems
These towers can be seamlessly integrated with existing security systems and technologies employed by the retail store, enhancing overall security infrastructure and effectiveness in preventing theft, damage, and risk. We are also the ONLY professionals in this space successfully (and seamlessly) integrating with Genetec Software.
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Local Police Department Relationships
Site Secure live camera feeds are oftentimes federated, or integrated, into your local police departments Real Time Crime Center (RTCC). This leads to better relationships and faster response times.
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Security Technology VS Security Guards
When comparing to human security guards, our security towers NEVER show up late, call out, get sick, no-show, take breaks for meals, go home early, get scared, get lazy, fall asleep, or even blink! Human security guards come with significant liability like injury, imperfect decisions, and personal biases. Our security towers do not!
By leveraging the capabilities of solar-powered mobile security towers, large retail stores can significantly enhance their security measures, mitigate risks, and protect their assets from theft, damage, and other potential threats. At Site Secure, we are currently helping retail clients large and small deter crime, keep their employees and patrons safe, and increase profitability. Call us at 833-227-1677 to discuss your retail center and how we can customize a security solution that is perfect for you!
