Facial recognition and video based biometrics continue to be a hot topic with security professionals. While shows like CSI, Law & Order and 24 make it seem that technologies exist that can pick a terrorist out of a crowd in Times Square or spot a criminal the moment he steps foot on the street, the reality is that we're not quite there...yet.
When loss prevention directors first brought security video into their stores, an initial aim was to deter shoplifters or, if that failed, use the recorded video to make the shoplifter agree to restitution, or to fight slip and falls.
As video surveillance systems continue to grow in size and functionality with new technologies driving even higher levels of performance, there’s still one basic premise that applies to each and every one of them: if the power goes down, your system is of little practical value.
According to the Global Retail Theft Barometer, retail shrink accounted for $107.284 billion in 2010. As retailers begin to determine their goals and initiatives for 2011, they need to consider how to identify and prevent the margin-robbing activities that are cutting into their bottom lines. Here are a few commonly missed fraudulent activities and operational errors, along with some tips on how to combat them.
Members of the Loss Prevention Research Council (LPRC) invite retailers and solutions providers to join its Benefit Denial Working Group (BDWG) to develop and test product protection solutions.
The National Food Service Security Council (NFSSC) and the Loss Prevention Foundation (LRF) announced an agreement where all regular NFSSC members can receive a one year membership into the Loss Prevention Foundation.
Back in 1950, an idea emerged that caught on nationally: S&H Green Stamps. This marketing concept has lasted for six decades. The idea was to entice customers to shop at participating grocery stores or gas stations. Customers earned stamps for each purchase. These stamps could be redeemed for various household items including appliances and tools. American Airlines followed the lead in the 1980s with frequent flyer miles and this concept quickly caught on.
A survey of retail companies says that 87% who currently use analog technology for surveillance are now considering migration strategies toward network video.
