What: Global retailers invest billions in advanced surveillance and AI technology to fight organized retail crime as traditional security measures prove insufficient against escalating theft and violence.

Why it is important: This technological arms race represents a critical shift in retail security strategy, as the industry faces unprecedented losses of GBP 2.2 billion in the UK alone, forcing retailers to balance sophisticated crime prevention with customer experience and worker safety.

The retail industry is witnessing a dramatic transformation in its approach to security, driven by escalating organised crime and increasingly aggressive theft. Retailers are deploying an arsenal of sophisticated technologies, from AI-powered surveillance systems that detect suspicious movements to smart checkouts equipped with computer vision. In the UK alone, companies invested GBP 1.8bn in security measures last year, reflecting the industry's determination to combat losses that reached GBP 2.2bn. These advanced solutions include facial recognition technology, weighted shelves that track product movement, and intelligent car park monitoring systems that can identify vehicles involved in previous thefts. However, this technological evolution presents retailers with complex challenges, particularly in balancing security with customer experience and privacy concerns. The industry's focus has expanded beyond mere theft prevention to encompass worker safety, as violence against staff has become increasingly prevalent. While early results show promise, with some retailers reporting significant reductions in theft and aggressive incidents, the race between security measures and criminal adaptation continues to evolve.

IADS Notes: The retail industry's security transformation has accelerated significantly, as evidenced by recent developments. In January 2025, UK retailers faced record crime levels with over 2,000 daily violent incidents, prompting innovative responses like Walmart's body camera pilot program focusing on worker safety. The industry's embrace of AI-powered solutions gained momentum with Veesion's EUR 38 million funding round in May 2025, while concerns about customer experience led to discussions about "untailing" in August 2024. This evolution in security strategy has shown promising results, with 87% of retailers implementing AI reporting increased revenues while maintaining service quality.

The high-tech fight against shoplifters