In Arizona, a new way of fighting shoplifting is gaining traction, with AI technology leading the charge. Retail stores are turning to artificial intelligence solutions like the app from Veesion, which alongside existing camera systems helps catch thieves in the act. A liquor store in Buckeye, Big K's is among the early adopters of this solution witnessing practical results. Store owner Nidal Abdelkareem relayed to ABC15 his experience, with the AI detecting several shoplifting instances, thus potentially saving thousands of dollars in losses.
Nationally, retail theft has spiked in cities like New York and Los Angeles with a 60% increase reported over the past four years, but Arizona has seen a roughly 30% decrease in shoplifting incidents during the same timeframe. Despite the overall state reduction, Scottsdale's numbers have climbed 23%, contrasting Phoenix's 46% drop, data from the Arizona Department of Public Safety indicates. On the heels of a local crackdown on organized theft, Phoenix police and Maricopa County prosecutors announced the indictment of three women for operating a significant retail theft ring, stealing over $560,000 in cosmetics as reported by ABC15.
"This is a massive problem in our community, and we're determined to put an end to it," Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell stated, underlining the focus on prosecuting these types of organized retail theft cases. Phoenix police served 32 search warrants, seizing 12 pallets of stolen merchandise and indicting three individuals with counts including illegal control of an enterprise, and trafficking in stolen property, with a trial set for fall.
Veesion's approach to tackling theft engages artificial intelligence to continuously monitor security footage for suspect behavior. When something catches the system's eye, store managers receive alerts to their app, a boon for busy proprietors like Abdelkareem who said "I'm so busy, and I only have two eyes." The co-founder of Veesion, Benoit Koenig, explained to ABC15 that millions of examples have trained their algorithm to spot shoplifting movements – regardless of whether the product is hidden in clothing, bags, or even consumed on the spot. Abdelkareem's investment in AI technology appears to be paying off, not only in theft prevention but in his customers' honesty as well; when approached with evidence, many shoplifters immediately return the stolen items.
These advancements in crimefighting AI come at a critical time, offering retailers a digital edge against theft that costs Arizona stores an estimated $1.5 billion in 2023. With the successful integration of advanced surveillance and data analysis, store owners like Abdelkareem are finding hope in the battle against a persistent, pervasive threat to their livelihoods.
