Enhancing perimeter security is critical for retailers to proactively protect their physical assets, employees, and customers from potential threats. According to the National Retail Federation’s 2022 Retail Security Survey, retailers attributed their greatest portion of shrink—a whopping 37 percent—to external theft. In addition, retailers saw a 26.5 percent increase in Organized Retail Crime (ORC) incidents over the past year, representing $94.5 billion in losses.
To overcome these challenges, retailers must strategically adopt new solutions that help prevent crimes and violent acts before they occur. That prevention begins as far out as your parking lot, because effective deterrence begins the moment a would-be thief arrives at the perimeter of your property. One way to do this is by implementing security technologies, such as Flock Safety Automated License Plate Reading (ALPR) cameras which can extend awareness to the very moment a known threat reaches your premises.
Secure Your Perimeter With ALPR
A secure perimeter is your first line of defense against external theft, including theft linked to ORC. ORC groups use various tactics, such as theft and fraud, to steal merchandise, often in large quantities. These groups can be difficult to identify and catch, making it challenging for retailers to prevent these crimes. However, the Flock Safety ALPR system offers a unique solution to help retailers secure their perimeter against these threats.
Flock Safety ALPR cameras are specifically calibrated to detect and recognize license plates—the most useful piece of actionable evidence needed to solve and prevent crime, as 7 in 10 crimes are committed with a vehicle.
Unlike traditional video security cameras, the Flock Safety ALPR system makes license plate reader evidence easily accessible and quickly searchable allowing you to pare down an entire parking lot of shopper vehicles to a single suspect vehicle in minutes. With Flock’s Vehicle Fingerprint™ technology, if a crime occurs, even without a full plate number, security personnel can narrow down footage based on the timeframe, vehicle color, type, make, or other descriptors, such as alterations and damage. Authorities can then use this investigative evidence to quickly solve cases and gather intelligence to reduce future threats.
Proactively Stop Threats
Flock Safety ALPR cameras are installed at entry and exit points around businesses to create a virtual perimeter that detects and deters crime before it occurs. The cameras send real-time alerts to security personnel or law enforcement if previously identified at-risk vehicles enter the premises, such as those belonging to repeat offenders, forbidden guests, violent terminated employees, or groups known to engage in ORC. Police and security can then take appropriate measures to deter additional crimes before they take place.
Strengthen Investigations So Repeat Offenders Don’t Return
Vehicle evidence and license plate data also serve as valuable investigative tools for retail security teams and law enforcement if a crime has occurred. The Flock ALPR system offers advanced search features that can help identify vehicles linked to multiple crimes, aiding in the recovery of stolen merchandise, and preventing repeat offenses. Additionally, loss prevention and asset protection teams can use the system to identify accomplice vehicles frequently traveling together, which can aid in the identification of criminals involved in ORC.
Another important benefit of the Flock Safety ALPR system is the shared network it supports between connected retailers. For retailers that have multiple storefronts, the system allows for a shared database that breaks down silos between stores and security teams. For example, imagine a multi-time offender is known to one store’s security personnel, who enters their license plate in the system. If that same offender approaches a different location a few weeks later, the team in that store will also be proactively flagged to be aware of this vehicle.
Partner With Flock
Flock Safety ALPR cameras offer retailers a powerful tool to enhance perimeter security and combat crimes such as ORC. With this technology, retailers can better protect their assets, employees, and customers from potential threats, and ensure a safer shopping experience for everyone. To learn more about partnering with Flock to protect your bottom line and improve the safety of your employees and experience of your customers, visit flocksafety.com/solutions/business.
