Shoplifting detection: the complete guide

Anti-theft devices, security gates, surveillance cameras, intelligent video surveillance: in this comprehensive guide you will find all the solutions you need to detect shoplifting.

Anti-theft systems

Anti-theft systems are the most widely used solution to protect against shoplifting. They consist of anti-shoplifting devices and anti-shoplifting gates. there are 3 different technologies used in anti-shoplifting gates:

Radio frequency (RF) gates

These anti-theft portals use magnetic induction to sound the alarm. One of the gates is actually an antenna that emits electromagnetic waves, while the second gate acts as a sensor of the emitted signal. If an object with an anti-theft system passes between the two gates, the signal is amplified and the alarm is triggered.

Electromagnetic anti-theft (EM) gates

These electromagnetic anti-theft gates are triggered by a change in the magnetic field. They have a short range of about one metre.

Acousto-magnetic gates (AM)

These are the most recent anti-theft systems on the market. They operate with a pulsed magnetic field. When an anti-theft device is detected, two small magnetic strips inside it begin to vibrate. The alarm is then activated.
The choice of anti-theft devices depends on the size and type of product to be protected. A distinction is made between :

Anti-theft labels

These round or rectangular labels are attached to products. They are often used to protect small products.

Anti-theft badges

Also known as anti-theft buttons, anti-theft badges are the best-known form of in-store protection. Said to be impossible to remove without damaging the product, these badges have a real deterrent effect.

Anti-theft glasses

Anti-theft devices for spectacles are intended for opticians and department stores. These discreet clips protect spectacles without preventing them from being tried on, allowing customers to choose frames with a clear idea of what they look like.

Anti-theft bottle locks

Designed to prevent alcohol bottles from being stolen and/or consumed on shop shelves, this type of anti-theft device is newer on the market. They are used by wine shops, department stores, upmarket grocery shops and supermarkets.

Video surveillance systems

Surveillance cameras

Over the years, since less than 5% of thefts are discovered by security guards, shops have equipped themselves with video surveillance systems. Equipped with one or more cameras, these systems offer a number of advantages

• prevention of malicious acts such as theft, assault and damage, thanks to the deterrent effect of the security cameras;
• faster identification of persons
• collection of evidence in case of theft
• strengthening of security measures.

Video surveillance with artificial intelligence

To detect shoplifting even more accurately, artificial intelligence (AI) has enhanced the effectiveness of existing systems. Based on already installed cameras, anti-theft devices and walk-through detectors, intelligent video surveillance can further reduce the risk of theft.

At Veesion, a French security company, we have developed a gesture recognition technology based on artificial intelligence. We have been detecting suspicious behaviour in shops around the world since 2018. Our video surveillance software uses the latest advances in Deep Learning to automatically detect theft gestures in real time at retailers, using existing surveillance cameras. A state-of-the-art solution that offers constant surveillance and total peace of mind. Pharmacies, department stores, supermarkets, etc.: Veesion has already equipped 3,000 retailers. Artificial intelligence helps them effectively combat theft on a daily basis. It is an innovative solution that complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), as only people's gestures are analysed to allow security staff to be more vigilant in case of suspicious gestures. This software cannot therefore be defined as a biometric system, as it does not identify people.