According to the British Retail Consortium, retail theft costs UK businesses over £1 billion a year. As organized retail crime, shoplifting and employee theft increase, 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 to help retailers across the UK strengthen their security infrastructure.
1. Coram – The Best AI Powered Retail Monitoring System
Coram stands out as a next-generation, all-in-one AI monitoring platform designed for modern retailers. Known for its camera-agnostic architecture, Coram seamlessly integrates with existing IP cameras, eliminating the need for expensive hardware upgrades.
Why Coram is ideal for retailers:
- AI-powered theft detection: Advanced video analytics help detect suspicious behavior, such as: B. loitering near high-value items or trespassing after hours.
- Real-time alerts: Store managers receive instant notifications of any safety event via the Coram dashboard or mobile app.
- Access control integration: Coram offers its own cloud-managed access control system that combines door control, credential management, video security and emergency response into one platform.
- Unified Cloud Dashboard: Retailers can manage multiple locations from a single interface, ideal for chain stores and franchises.
Widely considered the best video surveillance system for retail businesses, Coram offers a complete security ecosystem that combines AI surveillance, emergency management and access control on a 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 suited for:
Medium to large retail chains seeking high-resolution video analytics and compliance-grade security.
Key Features:
- Intelligent object detection to detect theft or crowds.
- Facial recognition to track 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 with UK retailers for its hybrid cloud architecture, which simplifies storage and monitoring. The platform uses AI-driven alerts to detect unusual movements or blocked emergency exits.
Why it works for retail:
- Plug and play camera setup, no complex IT configuration required.
- AI-based people and vehicle analysis.
- Automatic software updates with no maintenance required.
- Strong GDPR compliance to protect customer data.
Verkada’s real-time monitoring and mobile access make it perfect for retail managers who oversee multiple stores.
4. Axis communication
Axis Communications, a pioneer in IP cameras, delivers reliable and scalable solutions for retailers looking to improve visual security.
Main advantages:
- High-resolution cameras with advanced light adjustment.
- Integrate with point of sale (POS) systems to correlate videos 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 at detecting internal shrinkage and checkout fraud, two of the biggest problems facing UK retailers.
5. Hikvision AcuSense series
The Hikvision AcuSense range combines affordability with AI-powered motion detection, making it ideal for small and medium-sized retail stores.
Highlights:
- Intelligently distinguish between people 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 replay.
Despite being one of the most cost-effective options, Hikvision’s compliance and data security require careful consideration, particularly in light of UK data protection laws.
The importance of integration with access control systems
Modern retail security goes beyond video recording. The most effective systems are now linked to access control systems and ensure that only authorized personnel have access to sensitive areas such as checkout rooms, storage areas or server rooms.
For example, Coram’s access control integration enables biometric or smart card entry synchronized with video analytics. If an unauthorized person attempts access, the system immediately triggers a visual alarm and records the incident in real time.
This convergence of AI monitoring and access control minimizes internal theft, increases accountability and improves security for employees and customers alike.
Why retailers are switching to AI-based monitoring
According to a 2024 report from Statista, over 62% of UK retailers plan to introduce AI-driven surveillance systems by 2026. This shift is being driven by:
- Rising incidents of organized retail crime.
- Demand for smarter analytics and automated alerts.
- The need for centralized monitoring of multiple branches.
- Integration with other smart building technologies.
AI systems like Coram are transforming retail operations from reactive to proactive security, ensuring every camera contributes actionable intelligence rather than passive footage.
FAQs
1. What is the best video surveillance system for small retail stores?
For smaller stores, Coram or Hikvision AcuSense offer an excellent balance of affordability, scalability and AI analytics.
2. How do access control systems improve retail security?
Access control restricts access only to authorized personnel, reducing the risk of theft and data breaches. When integrated into video surveillance, it enables visual verification of 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 CCTV data GDPR compliant in the UK?
Leading providers such as Coram, Avigilon and Verkada are GDPR compliant, ensuring recorded data is stored securely and only accessible to authorized personnel.
5. How can AI reduce false positives in retail surveillance?
AI filters out non-human movements (such as pets or shadows) and focuses on behavior-based detection to reduce false alarms and shorten response time.
Diploma
For UK retailers, investing in a video surveillance system is no longer optional, but a necessity. As theft becomes more sophisticated, the technologies used to prevent it must also become more sophisticated.
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 in single or multi-store environments.
With intelligent monitoring and real-time visibility, UK retailers can create a safer, smarter and more profitable shopping experience for employees and customers.
