In 2024, UK retail crime reached a record high. The British Retail Consortium (BRC) reported 16.7 million incidents in a single year, with theft, abuse, and violence against retail workers costing the sector over £1.8 billion. Behind these numbers are organised gangs, repeat offenders, and opportunists who know exactly where the blind spots are.
For years, the security industry has been fighting a largely reactive battle: an alarm sounds, a guard responds, the police arrive when they can. But as crime becomes more sophisticated — and resources more stretched — this approach simply isn’t enough.
From Standing Guard to Staying Ahead
Recent government-backed initiatives like Project Pegasus are changing the game. By enabling retailers, security providers, and police to share live intelligence, the project is helping to identify and intercept offenders before they strike again. Technology — particularly AI-enhanced surveillance and analytics — is a critical part of this shift.
AI can spot patterns humans miss:
- Recognising repeat offenders across multiple locations.
- Flagging suspicious behaviour in real time.
- Predicting likely next targets based on historical trends and live data feeds.
This isn’t about replacing people. It’s about giving security professionals the right tools to act faster and smarter.
The Lodge Security Approach
At Lodge Security, we’ve built our entire model around prevention over reaction.
Our TranspEYE platform unites live camera feeds, AI analytics, and intelligence-sharing into one powerful system. It means our teams can:
- Pinpoint threats early — often before a crime happens.
- Coordinate with law enforcement and local networks in real time.
- Focus human effort where it’s needed most, maximising return on investment for our clients.
We’re not here to tick boxes or sell ‘bolt-on’ tech for the sake of it. Our solutions flex to fit the problem, combining specialist expertise, collaboration, and technology to defend the frontline — even when no one’s watching.
Looking Forward
AI in security isn’t a fad; it’s the new foundation for effective protection in the UK retail sector. As organised crime evolves, so must we. With the right blend of human judgement and intelligent technology, it’s possible not only to respond to threats — but to stop them in their tracks.
At Lodge Security, that’s exactly what we’re here to do.