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The future of retail security?

South Africa's retail sector is under siege from a rising tide of increasingly brazen and frequent criminal activities. Shoplifting, once seen as a minor nuisance and petty theft, now attracts repeat offenders who contribute to significant financial losses, while vandalism and robbery create an atmosphere of fear and insecurity for both employees and customers.

Fraudulent activities, such as payment scams, further complicate the situation, eroding trust in retail transactions. Additionally, the prevalence of ‘dine-and-dashers’ in restaurants reflects a broader trend of disregard for legal consequences, highlighting the urgent need for more effective security measures across the industry.

These acts are increasing in frequency, with the SAPS crime statistics suggesting that from 1 October 2023 to 31 December 2023, as many as 13,508 acts of shoplifting, were reported.

To combat this growing problem, Tesserai, a division of Mettus, has introduced Ares-i, a solution that uses live facial recognition technology integrated with existing infrastructure to proactively identify and deter individuals with malicious intent, before they strike.

Vic Esterhuizen, Head of Digital Identity at Tesserai, says that in a country where crime is a constant concern, Ares-i empowers businesses to watch, prevent and secure their premises with innovative technology. “Ares-i empowers South African businesses to proactively monitor and respond to potential threats in real time, seamlessly integrating with existing surveillance systems to enhance security. By providing instant data through advanced AI analysis, the system enables retailers to stay ahead of criminal activities and build comprehensive watchlists of suspicious individuals,” explains Esterhuizen.

Additionally, Ares-i helps companies establish a robust database of identified criminals, set up real-time alerts, and protect their assets, while also enhancing customer experience by recognising and prioritising the safety of loyal customers.

Choosing Ares-I means investing in a security solution that is both innovative and ethically sound, designed with a deep understanding of the South African crime landscape. Ares-i offers more than just protection; it provides a genuine partnership by working closely with clients to create tailored solutions that address their specific security challenges. This balanced approach ensures that security efforts also contribute to business growth.

“With Ares-i, we are committed to building a safer South Africa where businesses can thrive and people can engage with peace of mind. This solution brings human faces into focus, combating crime in the blink of an eye,” concludes Esterhuizen.

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