Bodycams vs. Traditional Surveillance: Which Is More Effective for Retail Loss Prevention?

Active monitoring systems and anti-theft devices for retail stores are non-negotiable tools in loss prevention. But in order to provide the most robust security possible, it’s important to take a look at your current toolkit to see if there might be any missing gaps that leave your team unprotected. For example, your current equipment may leave holes in your security, as conventional tools like stationary cameras and signage won't actively deter theft or help you collect sufficient evidence. 

Body-worn cameras may be the answer to these gaps. In a study conducted by Beck Research & Consultancy Ltd and Axon, eight retail participants reported a significant reduction in violence and verbal abuse, ranging from 13% to 69% reduction. The study also found that participants believed bodycams helped de-escalate situations in 47% of incidents.

While investing in bodycams may come at an initial cost, it may not be as high as you think when you measure it against long-term savings and business continuity. Learn how upgrading to bodycams as your new anti-theft devices for retail stores can make a big impact. 

Traditional Surveillance Methods

Many retailers default to traditional cameras and surveillance systems. Depending on the size of your organization, you may have security personnel at each location. But consider the pros and cons of some of the most common forms of surveillance: 

• Fixed Security Cameras: These cameras can provide continuous coverage. But they have obvious blind spots, and most cameras generate spotty and grainy footage. 
• Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) Cameras: Because these cameras can sweep back and forth, they have fewer blind spots. But if you aren't actively controlling the cameras and making real-time use of the sweeping and zooming capabilities, you will still miss theft.
• Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) Systems: These systems can cover large swaths of your store and, with today's improved tech capabilities, can cost-effectively flag stolen articles to send an alert to centralized teams or security staff. However, it only tracks the illicit movement of tagged goods, and its false positives can frustrate your honest customers.  
• Plain-Clothes Security Personnel: Security teams can intervene the right way in myriad theft (or potential theft) scenarios. But these teams are expensive and can make mistakes. 

Even creating a nuanced loss prevention plan that layers these options will leave unacceptable gaps in your strategy. 

Bodycams for Retail Loss Prevention

However, adding bodycams to your toolkit can eliminate many of those gaps and reduce the risk of theft. Bodycams are wearable technology that staff can use to record incidents, deter time, and provide footage evidence in legal proceedings. 

• Mobile and adaptable coverage: The cameras won't stay in a fixed or static position, meaning your coverage adapts based on where staff are and where incidents are occurring. 
• Deterrent effect: When approached by staff members wearing bodycams, prospective thieves are much less likely to continue a theft. They also make your retail location a less favorable choice for future incidents. 
• High-quality video and audio recording: In 2024, bodycams can possess the fidelity and video/audio quality of phones and other mobile devices. Your teams can wear cameras that display faces, items, and incidents with sharp clarity.  
• Real-time communication capabilities: Bodycams can send footage to a centralized team, who can then reach out to wearers via phones, earpieces, or walkie-talkies to control a situation.
• Dual-purpose: Not only do bodycams mitigate the risk of theft, but they also protect staff in potentially hostile staff-customer interactions. Companies can also use them to collect evidence for criminal and civil proceedings. 
• Cost-effectiveness: Bodycams offer an excellent ROI because of their smaller implementation costs and multiple benefits across store operations. 

Comparative Analysis 

Compare traditional anti-theft devices for retail stores against bodycams to see which one has a greater role in loss prevention: 

• Coverage and flexibility: Bodycams are more dynamic and less static
• Quality: Bodycams give high-fidelity, close-up footage at all times, while traditional cameras provide faraway footage with gaps and noise.
• Deterrence: Many people ignore conventional cameras but will notice bodycams. 
• Staff engagement: Bodycams are an active deterrence solution, whereas older cameras are more passive.
• Evidence: Bodycams collect higher-quality footage and evidence for legal proceedings.
• ROI: Traditional cameras only provide some value for theft cases and prevention, whereas bodycams provide more benefits. 

Choose HALO's Loss Prevention Solutions

At HALO, we're continually investing in dynamic loss prevention technology and better anti-theft devices for retail stores. Contact us today to learn more about our bodycam options and see how our cloud-based systems can improve your security.