Shoplifting is on the rise across Australia — and it’s getting more sophisticated. From solo grab-and-runs to coordinated organised retail crime (ORC), today’s retailers are facing a new level of threat. As inflation and cost-of-living pressures increase, security systems need to evolve to match. At City Watch Security, we’re staying one step ahead. Here’s what’s happening in 2025 — and how you can protect your business, your stock, and your staff. What’s Driving the Spike in Shoplifting? Several key factors are behind the uptick in incidents this year: Economic pressure: Rising living costs have been contributing to opportunistic thefts in both metro and regional areas. Organised crime: Groups are targeting larger retail stores with coordinated efforts, often involving multiple offenders and vehicles. Low-risk perception: In many cases, offenders believe the risk of being caught is low, especially in stores with minimal visible security presence. Emerging Trends in Retail Crime (2024–2025): The Crime Statistics Agency reported a near doubling of store thefts from 19,700 in 2022 to 37,800 in 2024. Repeat offenders: Data from state police forces show a rise in reoffending rates, especially among youth. Self-checkout scams: Shoplifters are exploiting gaps in unattended or self-serve checkout areas. Social media coordination: Offenders are using social platforms to plan or share shoplifting “challenges,” drawing in younger participants. Smart Retailers Are Turning to Smart Security: Retail security is no longer just about deterring crime — it’s about real-time visibility, prevention, and data-driven action. Here’s what we’re recommending to businesses in 2025: High-Visibility Security Patrols: A physical presence alone can cut theft attempts significantly. City Watch provides trained guards in high-traffic or high-risk areas. AI-Powered Video Surveillance: CCTV is more powerful when paired with smart analytics. Detect loitering, repeat offenders, or even identify patterns in theft. Facial Recognition & Watchlists: Retailers are adopting facial recognition for known offender alerts, integrated with compliance systems to meet privacy laws. Covert Alarms & Panic Buttons: Install silent alarms and easily accessible panic buttons to quickly alert control rooms or local police. Integrated Incident Reporting Tools: Make it easier for your staff to log incidents, flag footage, and receive feedback from management — all in one platform. How City Watch Security Can Help: We’ve been supporting Australian retail businesses since 1986. Whether you run a boutique store or a national chain, we offer tailored solutions including: Onsite or mobile security patrols CCTV and video analytics integration Facial recognition systems Alarm response and control room support Staff training in de-escalation and theft awareness Theft isn’t just a cost — it affects staff morale and public safety, as well as your bottom line. But with the right tools and a proactive approach, retailers can stay ahead of crime and keep their doors open for customers — not criminals. Ready to upgrade your store’s security? 📞 Contact City Watch Security on (03) 9250 4000 for a site assessment today.

Surveillance is paramount for business security whether you operate a small retail store, large office complex, or an industrial facility. CityWatch offer a diverse range of camera systems with user friendly interfaces, monitoring and cloud storage options. With a myriad of options available, we understand that selecting the right one might seem daunting. Making an informed decision can come from understanding your business needs and the features of each camera type. Assessing Your Security Needs The first step in choosing the right security camera is to assess your unique security requirements. Consider the areas that need monitoring: are they indoors, outdoors, or both? What are their potential vulnerabilities — entrances, parking lots, or secluded corners? For businesses with high foot traffic or valuable merchandise, a comprehensive security system that covers multiple angles might be necessary. On the other hand, a smaller business might benefit from a few strategically placed cameras to deter theft and monitor employee activities. Types of Security Cameras There are several types of security cameras to consider, each designed for specific environments and purposes: Bullet Cameras: These are highly visible to serve as a deterrent to potential intruders. Their cylindrical design makes them ideal for long-distance viewing and outdoor use. Bullet cameras are typically weatherproof and equipped with night vision, making them a popular choice for monitoring perimeters and parking lots. Dome Cameras: Often used in retail stores and offices, dome cameras blend into the environment while offering a wide viewing angle. Their discreet design makes them less intrusive, which can be beneficial for indoor surveillance. Many dome cameras come with vandal-resistant features, ensuring durability in high-traffic areas. PTZ Cameras (Pan-Tilt-Zoom): PTZ cameras provide versatile monitoring options by allowing remote control of the camera’s direction and zoom. This makes them suitable for larger areas where a single camera needs to cover multiple angles. They are particularly useful in environments where real-time tracking of movement is critical, such as warehouses or expansive office spaces. Hidden or Covert Cameras: For businesses that require discreet monitoring, hidden cameras can be an effective solution. These devices are designed to blend in with everyday objects, providing surveillance without alerting those being monitored. They are often used in high-security environments but come with legal and ethical considerations that must be carefully evaluated. Key Considerations Beyond the type of camera, multiple factors play an important role in selecting the right security system. High-resolution imaging is essential for capturing clear details, especially in low-light conditions. Consider cameras with night vision or thermal imaging if your business operates after dark. Integration with modern security systems is also vital; look for cameras that offer remote access via smartphones or cloud storage for easy management and review of footage. Budget constraints should also guide your decision. While high-end security systems offer advanced features and durability, there are many cost-effective solutions available that still provide robust protection. Assess the long-term benefits of investing in quality equipment versus the potential costs of security breaches or theft. Ultimately, choosing the right style of security camera for your business involves a careful balance between your specific security needs, the environment you operate in, and your budget. By evaluating the features of different camera types—from bullet and dome to PTZ and covert options—you can build a security system that not only deters potential threats but also enhances your overall business operations. CityWatch Security’s technicians can help you choose the right cameras and design an optimised system to fit your business. We can then install it, as well as providing monitoring and maintenance. Call us on (03) 9250 4000 to learn more.

UNDERSTANDING THE IT NEEDS OF VIDEO SURVEILLANCE

As we gear up for a record breaking Australian summer, it's time to think about how we can keep our businesses safe and sound, especially when extreme weather hits. We all know that summer can bring some wild weather — think storms, floods, and even bush fires. That’s where our CCTV and alarm systems come into play. Let’s dive into how these tools can help us weather the storms, literally. First off, let’s talk about CCTV cameras. A CCTV system, like the ones we install from our partner Verkada, not only help to keep an eye on things but can be a lifesaver during extreme weather. Imagine a sudden storm rolling in. With CCTV, you can monitor the situation from the safety of your phone or computer. If you notice rising water or any other concerning signs, you can take action immediately. It’s like having a safety net that lets you keep your business and your team safe without being on-site. Let’s not forget about alarm systems. These are crucial for alerting you to any potential dangers. Verkada’s modern systems keep running 12 hours even after a loss of power and can detect environmental changes, such as changes in air quality, and send you an alert. This means you can stay one step ahead and make decisions quickly—whether that’s contacting emergency services or alerting your team to evacuate. Input from CCTV and alarm systems can contribute to a solid emergency plan. By reviewing footage and data, you can identify potential risks and create strategies to mitigate them. Knowing your vulnerabilities will help you keep your business resilient, no matter what Mother Nature throws our way. Peace of mind comes with having these systems in place. When you know your business is being monitored and protected, you can focus on what really matters—serving your customers and growing your business. Plus, showing your customers that you take safety seriously can help build trust and loyalty. In short, as we embrace the warmth of the Australian summer, let’s also prepare for the unexpected. By investing in CCTV and alarm systems, we’re not just protecting our businesses; we’re ensuring that we can weather any storm—together. Here’s to a safe and successful summer!

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