Sophisticated retail crime is harder and harder to track with reactive solutions and traditional safety measures. Highly adaptable retail entry systems from Gunnebo Entrance Control can help retail stores combat theft and other crime.
Shoplifting incidents are rocketing and at times turning violent: retail crime is not just a major concern for retailers, but also a significant financial one. According to the latest crime data, retailers are losing over $13bn annually[1]. That’s more than $35m per day. The retail industry has a theft crisis, and retailers are having to spend an increasing amount on security.
However, shoplifters have become increasingly sophisticated and it’s becoming harder to track crimes with reactive solutions. Traditional measures, such as CCTV and manual monitoring are by and large, inadequate in stopping crime. So, in a bid to reduce shrinkage, a growing number of retailers are turning to new ways to control access with the intent to proactively deter theft.
These solutions are proving their worth. In the Nordic region over 100 stores have integrated our entrance control technology, leading to a significant reduction in theft and achieving a return on investment in just six months.
Entrance control systems can also play a role in the co-operative action being taken by many retailers. Intelligent security gates can combine with intelligence sharing and surveillance to create a safer retail environment.
Swedish supermarket chain ICA provides a strong example of this. Operating nearly 2,000 stores across Sweden, ICA faced significant losses due to shoplifters exploiting open entrances to walk out with high-value items. To address this, ICA Maxi Lindhagen in Stockholm installed Gunnebo SpeedStile at its main entry points, preventing unauthorised re-entry and significantly reducing theft while maintaining smooth customer flow.
As retail continues to evolve, the sector must stay ahead of emerging threats. Any improvements in intelligence sharing, recording, reporting and evidence capture will undoubtedly support Police and partners in tackling shop theft more effectively. Yet at the same time, retailers must take independent action to secure their operations.
Investing in strategic security solutions is key to long-term success. Retailers must consider a holistic approach, combining physical security measures with data-driven insights to identify risks and deter criminal activity. Smart surveillance systems, real-time analytics, and artificial intelligence can work alongside entrance control solutions to create an integrated security framework.
Our new whitepaper, ‘Enhancing Global Retail Resilience’, is now available and takes a deeper look at the growth in retail crime across the globe, and how retailers can more effectively reduce shrinkage through a range of futureproof modern technologies.