Shoplifting costs South African retailers billions of rand each year. From small convenience stores to large retail chains, the impact of theft extends beyond lost stock.
It affects pricing, profitability, and even job security for employees.
Traditional security measures like CCTV cameras and security personnel have their limitations. Footage is often reviewed after an incident, making it difficult to prevent theft in the moment.
New technology is changing this landscape. AI anti-shoplifting software like Veesion works alongside your existing CCTV system to detect suspicious behaviour as it happens.
If you're a South African retail owner looking to reduce shrinkage and protect your bottom line, understanding what AI can detect is the first step.
Here are 7 shoplifting behaviours that AI can flag in real time.
When a customer places items into handbags, backpacks, satchels, or other bags, Veesion's AI recognises this behaviour.
The system analyses the movement patterns and flags the action immediately, sending you a video snippet of the incident.
Stashing items in pockets, waistbands, or inside clothing is a common shoplifting technique.
Veesion detects when hands slip inside clothing or when items are hidden in pants, skirts, or dresses. This type of behaviour is challenging for human monitors to catch consistently, but AI can identify it with high accuracy.
Shoplifters sometimes use prams or strollers to conceal stolen goods. Items may be placed in the baby compartment, underneath the stroller, or in bags hanging from it.
Veesion monitors these movements and alerts you when suspicious activity is detected.
Consuming food or beverages within the store before paying for them is another behaviour Veesion can identify.
Whether it's opening a drink or eating snacks while browsing, the AI flags these activities so you can address them promptly.
When someone quickly grabs multiple items in succession (especially when followed by concealment), it often indicates intent to steal.
Veesion's algorithms recognise these rapid movements and distinguish them from normal shopping patterns.
Certain behaviours signal potential theft: repeated glances around the store, placing both hands inside shelves, or crouching down in aisles.
When these actions are followed by concealment, Veesion triggers an alert. These subtle cues are easy to miss with traditional monitoring but are precisely what AI excels at detecting.
Opening product packaging or removing security devices is a clear indicator of shoplifting.
Veesion identifies when customers interfere with packaging or attempt to disable anti-theft tags, giving you the opportunity to intervene before they leave the premises.
Immediate Response: Real-time alerts mean you can act while the incident is still unfolding. Instead of discovering theft after the fact, you receive a notification with video evidence the moment suspicious behaviour is detected.
Reduced Shrinkage: Retailers using Veesion have reported shrinkage reductions of up to 60%. With 85–90% of alerts accurately identifying shoplifting incidents, the system significantly improves your ability to protect stock.
Better Staff Efficiency: Your security team can't be everywhere at once, but AI can. Veesion monitors all camera feeds simultaneously, freeing up your staff to focus on customer service and other responsibilities.
Milestone has been providing shrink management solutions to South African retailers for over 28 years.
Our experience and trusted partnerships with leading brands like Shell, Pick n Pay, Woolworths, and Clicks demonstrate our commitment to delivering effective, reliable security solutions.
Veesion integrates seamlessly with your existing CCTV and DVR systems, and its customisable settings allow you to tailor detection parameters to your store's specific environment.
Ready to reduce theft and safeguard your stock?
Contact Milestone today to learn more about implementing Veesion AI anti-shoplifting software in your store.