Retail crime is rising and companies are losing billions of dollars every year. This surge in incidents highlights the urgent need for a reliable retail store security system in Australia to better protect staff, stock and premises.
According to the Australian Retailers Association, theft has increased by over 40% in 2024, resulting in annual losses of more than $9 billion. Even more concerning, one in four incidents now involves threats, assaults or acts of violence that pose serious risks to the safety of both employees and customers.
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics
Why traditional standalone security systems are no longer enough
These numbers highlight an unavoidable reality: traditional, standalone security systems are no longer enough. Retailers require smarter, connected protection that can detect, deter, and respond to threats in real time.
An integrated security system unites all your security technologies, from alarms and video surveillance to access control and monitoring, into a single, intelligent network.
This approach provides you with complete visibility and control, enabling you to prevent incidents before they occur and respond more effectively when they do.
What a modern, integrated retail security system looks like
Every store is unique, but the best security systems share the same key features. When these tools work together, your system moves from just recording and reacting to actually detecting, deterring, and responding in real time.
1. CCTV and AI-enabled surveillance
Modern retail surveillance systems do far more than record footage. With AI security for retail, cameras can automatically detect suspicious behaviour such as loitering, crowding near high-value items, or after-hours movement. They can also provide valuable business insights, such as foot traffic patterns and peak shopping times, to support operational decisions.
2. Intruder and alarm systems
Alarms remain a cornerstone of business security systems, alerting you and your monitoring team the moment unauthorised activity occurs.
Connecting other devices triggers instant responses such as locking doors and activating lights to deter thieves before theft or damage occurs.
3. Access control
Managing who enters sensitive areas is critical for both security and safety. Integrated access control systems let you issue, track, and revoke entry permissions digitally.
You can monitor staff movements, secure cash offices, and restrict access to inventory areas while maintaining a full activity log.
4. Duress and personal safety devices
Unfortunately aggressive behaviour towards frontline retail employees is on the rise. A personal safety device alerts your monitoring team when a panic button on a pendant or duress watch is activated.
5. Body cameras and evidence collection
Body cams discourage disruptive behaviour while offering useful video evidence for establishments that often face issues. They provide a thorough view of any event when combined with CCTV, safeguarding employees and the company.
These devices work together to provide a multi-layered defence, but integration is what really turns them from tools into a comprehensive retail security solution.
6. Fog security
This technology fills an area with dense, harmless fog in just seconds, forcing criminals to flee empty-handed. It’s a feature that can protect people, inventory, cash, electronics, alcohol, food, tobacco, vehicles and more, and is proven to prevent theft in 97% of cases.
Why retailers choose Smokeshield for integrated security
Smokeshield designs and installs integrated systems that connect your alarms, cameras, access control, duress devices and fog security into one streamlined platform. That means:
- Real-time visibility across your store or store network
- Faster, more accurate responses to incidents on the floor and after hours
- Fewer blind spots and better protection for staff and customers
Our AI-driven loss prevention solutions can spot unusual activity and alert you before small problems turn into major incidents, whether it is a possible break-in after hours, a dispute at the counter, or unsafe behaviour in a back room.