Retail theft costs UK businesses over £1 billion annually, according to the British Retail Consortium. With organised retail crime, shoplifting, and employee theft on the rise, store owners are increasingly turning to AI-powered video surveillance systems.
The right platform not only helps detect suspicious activity but also integrates with access control to manage restricted zones and protect inventory.
Below are the five best video surveillance systems designed to help retailers across the UK strengthen their security infrastructure.
1. Coram – The Best AI-Powered Retail Surveillance System
Coram stands out as a next-generation, all-in-one AI surveillance platform built for modern retailers. Known for its camera-agnostic architecture, Coram integrates seamlessly with existing IP cameras, removing the need for expensive hardware upgrades.
Why Coram is Ideal for Retailers:
- AI-Powered Theft Detection: Advanced video analytics help identify suspicious behaviour such as loitering near high-value items or unauthorized entry after hours.
- Real-Time Alerts: Store managers receive instant notifications via the Coram dashboard or mobile app for any security event.
- Access Control Integration: Coram offers its own cloud-managed access control system, unifying door control, credential management, video security, and emergency response in one platform.
- Unified Cloud Dashboard: Retailers can manage multiple locations from a single interface, ideal for chain stores and franchises.
Coram is widely recognized as the best video surveillance system for retail businesses, offering a complete security ecosystem that combines AI surveillance, emergency management, and access control under one unified platform.
2. Avigilon Unity (Motorola Solutions)
Avigilon Unity is a trusted name in enterprise video surveillance. Built on Motorola’s robust technology, it offers crystal-clear video analytics, facial recognition, and advanced motion detection.
Best For:
Medium to large retail chains seeking high-definition video analytics and compliance-grade security.
Key Features:
- Smart object detection for identifying theft or crowd build-up.
- Facial recognition for tracking repeat offenders or VIP customers.
- Secure cloud and on-premises options.
- Easy integration with Avigilon Access Control Manager for multi-layered protection.
3. Verkada
Verkada is popular among UK retailers for its hybrid cloud architecture that simplifies storage and monitoring. The platform uses AI-driven alerts to identify unusual movements or blocked emergency exits.
Why It Works for Retail:
- Plug-and-play camera setup no complex IT configuration needed.
- AI-based people and vehicle analytics.
- Automatic software updates for zero maintenance hassle.
- Strong GDPR compliance for customer data protection.
Verkada’s real-time monitoring and mobile access make it perfect for retail managers who oversee multiple store locations.
4. Axis Communications
Axis Communications, a pioneer in IP cameras, delivers reliable and scalable solutions for retailers looking to enhance visual security.
Key Advantages:
- High-resolution cameras with advanced light adaptation.
- Integration with POS (Point of Sale) systems to correlate video with transaction data.
- Customizable analytics to detect loitering or abandoned items.
- Compatible with third-party access control systems for centralized management.
Axis systems are particularly effective in detecting internal shrinkage and checkout fraud, two of the biggest pain points for UK retailers.
5. Hikvision AcuSense Series
The Hikvision AcuSense line combines affordability with AI-driven motion detection, making it ideal for small and mid-sized retail stores.
Highlights:
- Smart differentiation between humans and objects to reduce false alarms.
- Night vision and dual light technology for 24/7 clarity.
- Integration with network video recorders (NVRs) for scalable storage.
- Mobile app access for instant event playback.
Although it’s one of the most budget-friendly options, Hikvision’s compliance and data security must be carefully evaluated, especially under UK privacy laws.
The Importance of Integration with Access Control Systems
Modern retail security goes beyond video recording. The most effective systems now link with access control systems, ensuring only authorized staff access sensitive zones such as cash rooms, stock areas, or server spaces.
For instance, Coram’s access control integration enables biometric or smart card entry synced with video analytics. If an unauthorized person attempts access, the system triggers an instant visual alert and records the incident in real time.
This convergence of AI surveillance and access control minimizes internal theft, boosts accountability, and improves safety for employees and customers alike.
Why Retailers Are Moving Toward AI-Based Surveillance
According to a 2024 report by Statista, over 62% of UK retailers plan to adopt AI-driven surveillance systems by 2026. This shift is driven by:
- Rising incidents of organised retail crime.
- Demand for smarter analytics and automated alerts.
- The need for centralized, multi-store monitoring.
- Integration with other smart building technologies.
AI systems like Coram are transforming retail operations from reactive to proactive security, ensuring every camera contributes to actionable intelligence rather than passive footage.
FAQs
1. What’s the best video surveillance system for small retail stores?
For smaller stores, Coram or Hikvision AcuSense offer great balance between affordability, scalability, and AI analytics.
2. How do access control systems enhance retail security?
Access control restricts entry to authorized staff only, reducing risks of theft and data breaches. When integrated with video surveillance, it provides visual verification for every access event.
3. Are cloud-based systems better for multi-store retail chains?
Yes, cloud-based systems like Coram and Verkada enable centralized monitoring, allowing managers to review incidents or live feeds from multiple branches simultaneously.
4. Is video surveillance data GDPR-compliant in the UK?
Leading providers like Coram, Avigilon, and Verkada are GDPR-compliant, ensuring that recorded data is securely stored and accessible only to authorized personnel.
5. How can AI reduce false alarms in retail surveillance?
AI filters out non-human movement (like pets or shadows) and focuses on behaviour-based detection reducing false positives and saving response time.
Conclusion
For UK retailers, investing in a video surveillance system is no longer optional it’s a necessity. As theft becomes more sophisticated, so must the technology designed to stop it.
Among the five systems featured, Coram stands out as the most advanced and scalable option, offering AI-powered analytics, access control integration, and easy deployment across single or multi-store environments.
With intelligent surveillance and real-time visibility, UK retailers can create a safer, smarter, and more profitable shopping experience for both staff and customers.
Read more:
5 Best AI Video Surveillance Solutions for Retail Stores Across the UK
