Request demo
en
Site language:
Biometric software product with robust user authentication for unlocking a device or gaining access to operating systems or apps
A biometric software product for increasing the level of security at the facility during video surveillance
A biometric software product for biometric identity verification in access control and management systems
A biometric software product for displaying personalized media content
A biometric software product with facial recognition for reliable identity check
A biometric software product with facial recognition that expands the electronic queue systems with personalized services for visitors
A software product that provides simple and reliable working time and attendance by identifying faces using tablets, IP cameras, or terminals
A biometric software product with facial recognition that provides enhanced communication with clients
A biometric software product that provides a reliable and quick check of the gym clients access right without employee’s participation
A new level of work with visitors and employees of Business centers opened with the help of biometric products
Biometrics for convenient service to citizens, including remote monitoring of the quality of personnel work
Biometric monitoring of working hours and additional security tools for industrial facilities
Modern methods of biometric analytics for safe operation of sports facilities
Convenient and secure transport solutions based on the digital identity of the passenger
Biometric solutions for a new level of security and interaction with visitors
Biometric video Analytics for targeted marketing and personnel control in distributed networks
Biometric products for proctoring and video surveillance systems in educational institutions
Keyless biometric access to rooms, targeted approach to each client and information about the time of work for employees
Necessary tool for the security and competitiveness of a modern Bank
Improving the level of security, speed of investigations and timely prevention of illegal acts in the urban public space
Customer-oriented solutions, acceleration of the work process of the registry area, control of the staff of the entire institution
RecFaces makes facial biometrics simple and applicable. We provide a wide range of ready-made biometric solutions for businesses to upgrade their security and technological efficiency.
We are ready for cooperation and sales through the partner network. To get advice on your project, please contact us by e-mail sales@recfaces.com
It is our principal and invaluable resource. Talented and energetic people of our team unite the like-minded ones which helps to expand expertise and company’s growth.
Join us!
We are always happy to answer all your questions. Contact us in any way convenient for you.
We share our long-term expertise
in the development of biometric software
Comprehensive information for your projects.
Just theory, practice and statistics
Discover our latest news and updates
on facial recognition technology
Find out more about
RecFaces company here

How to Catch a Shoplifter: Retail Theft Prevention Is Real

How to Catch a Shoplifter: Face Recognition in Retail | RecFaces

Shoplifting — or the act of an employee or a customer taking merchandise from a store without paying — causes the retail industry to lose billions of dollars in profit per year. No matter the size of a retail store, all retailers are vulnerable to shoplifting. However, there are methods you can use to make your store a less attractive prospect for shoplifters. In this guide, we’ll show you how to safeguard your retail store from product shrinkage caused by theft.

Table of Contents

Terrible Shoplifting Statistics in Recent Years
What Can Increase Retail Theft Prevention?
How Can Facial Recognition Stop Shoplifting in Retail?
Summary
How to Stop a Shoplifter FAQ
How do you detect a shoplifter?
Do stores track down shoplifters?
Which security measures should be implemented to prevent shoplifting?
What stores use face recognition?

Terrible Shoplifting Statistics in Recent Years

Shoplifting crime has been increasing globally from year to year. Nowadays, there is a prevalent attitude that shoplifting is low-risk, high-reward, and more people than ever are tempted to try it. And, when they don’t get caught, they continue, and it becomes a habit. Shoplifters are only caught 1 out of every 48 attempts — and then they are only prosecuted 50% of the time that they are caught.

Some other troubling shoplifting statistics include:

  1. Approximately 1 out of 11 people in the US are shoplifters;
  2. 55% of shoplifters began shoplifting when they were teenagers;
  3. “Professionals” make up only 3% of shoplifters — but this group is responsible for 10% (or more) of all profit loss from theft;
  4. Up to $20 billion was lost in profit during 2019, spread out across 400 million shoplifting incidents — and this was just in the US;
  5. The average US case value in 2019 was $287.42.

For a fuller list of statistics, check out our article, Shoplifting Facts.

What Can Increase Retail Theft Prevention?

Retail criminals have become more aggressive and prevalent in recent years, and loss prevention specialists surely have their work cut out for them. Thankfully, there are methods that can make retail theft prevention more proactive, if not easier. When facial recognition technology is incorporated in a retailer, this is one of the strongest deterrents to shoplifters and is also the best way of recovering stolen goods.

Even better, facial recognition as a security measure is gaining support in the US. In a 2019 survey, nearly half of respondents said that they were in favor of facial recognition’s use in catching shoplifters. As this technology becomes more prevalent, support will likely grow even stronger.

How Can Facial Recognition Stop Shoplifting in Retail?

Facial recognition is the only way to prevent shoplifting before it actually happens. It is crucial to prevent theft, as most violent retail altercations happen after somebody has been caught in the act.

So, how can facial recognition be used to prevent shoplifting in the first place? Systems that have this technology can identify previous offenders based on whether their faces’ data points match with ones in a shoplifter database. Then, the system automatically notifies the store’s security team when a match is found. Breaking the process down step-by-step, this is how it works:

  1. The live video stream captures a facial image;
  2. The system extracts facial features from the image;
  3. The image is cropped to contain just the face, and it is converted to greyscale;
  4. The face image is converted into a template, and the system’s algorithm searches a larger database for a match;
  5. The database is compared with the template and, if a match is found, a fraud notification is issued.

Often, simply offering customer service to a known shoplifter will deter them from stealing — in most cases, they will simply leave the store when they know they are being watched. By using proactive facial recognition technology, you will reduce violent crime alongside theft.

Some popular retailers that use facial recognition technology include Target, Lowe’s, and Walmart. In most cases, however, stores refuse to give clear-cut answers on whether they are using this kind of technology. As facial recognition becomes more widely accepted and stores become transparent about their use of it, shoplifting instances and case values will likely decline.

Summary

Security guards can’t stop every shoplifter, but video surveillance systems that are integrated with facial recognition technology will go a long way towards preventing theft. Such systems can be trained to identify and “remember” thousands of faces — which is far greater than any one human (or even an entire security team) can do. What’s more, thanks to cloud technology, multiple retail branches can use the same database. Thus, a shoplifter caught in Chicago would be flagged in that store’s NYC branch.

The question is — if these systems identify known criminals, how do you stop shoplifters who haven’t been caught yet? This is where AI comes into play. Surveillance systems are being developed that include emotion detection in order to flag suspicious behavior before the crime is actually committed. Such systems are still in the experimental stage, but they will definitely have a hugely beneficial impact on the retail industry when they become widespread.

How to Stop a Shoplifter FAQ

How do you detect a shoplifter?

The best way to detect a shoplifter is to use a facial recognition system; this way, your store’s security team can be notified when a known thief has entered the store. Prevention is key!

Do stores track down shoplifters?

Yes, stores often turn over video surveillance data to police authorities; in many cases, products are able to be recovered. However, there is not always criminal apprehension alongside the inventory recovery.

Which security measures should be implemented to prevent shoplifting?

Installation of cameras, proper staff training, surveillance warning signs, and mirrors are all excellent security measures.

What stores use face recognition?

Most stores refuse to answer whether or not they use facial recognition. However, Lowe’s has stated that they use it, and it has been proven that Target and Walmart are experimenting with face recognition technology.

Here you can rate our article
Here you can rate our article
Thanks!

Subscribe to our newsletter