Navigating Retail Security: Combating Violence, Crime, and Fraud in a Changing Landscape

Security Tech Talk

In this episode we are joined by Corin Dennison, an expert with extensive experience in law enforcement and retail security. Together, we delve into the pressing challenges facing the retail industry, including the rise of retail-specific violence and the economic implications of crime. Despite widespread security measures, criminals remain undeterred, leading to tough decisions about store location viability and financial transparency. We explore innovative strategies to balance safety and sales, as well as the importance of accurate crime recording and the role of technology in building offender profiles.

The conversation extends to the digital realm, highlighting the surge of returns fraud in e-commerce, exacerbated by social media platforms. We discuss the necessity of robust data sharing and advanced technological defenses to counteract these threats. Additionally, the episode addresses the controversial use of facial recognition technology, weighing its potential benefits against privacy concerns.

About our guest:

At the helm of Insight Retail Risk Consultancy as Managing Partner, Corin Dennison’s focus is on delivering top-tier guidance, expertise and services to clients. Leveraging a distinguished career in corporate security and retail risk management, he specialises in crafting robust risk protection and mitigation models for retail brands / solution providers and implementing advanced technical solutions. The strategies developed under his direction have been instrumental in safeguarding assets and mitigating significant P&L losses for global companies.

Previously within risk leadership roles with brands such as Burberry & adidas, Corin cultivated a comprehensive security approach spanning six regions. His expertise in corporate investigations, IP protection, and consumer risk was pivotal in establishing global compliance frameworks. Within these organization, Corin’s efforts consistently optimized operations, bolstered brand integrity, and contributed to sustainable business growth through strategic risk management.

Connect with Corin on LinkedIn

Chapters:

Retail Challenges and Security Solutions (0:00:07): We delve into the increasing challenges of retail-specific violence and its global impact, with Corin Dennison providing insights on maintaining a balance between consumer, employee, and product safety amidst the core goal of selling goods. The discussion highlights the perceived indifference of criminals towards existing security measures and the financial strain on retailers as they face decisions about store location viability.

Retail Crime Prevention Strategies (0:09:50): The conversation explores the complexities of addressing retail crime, emphasizing the need for accurate crime recording and the impact of policing thresholds on reporting thefts. The chapter discusses strategies for balancing crime prevention with economic realities and the importance of better solutions to deter crime and protect retail assets.

E-Commerce Returns Fraud and Solutions (0:22:26): We examine the rise of returns fraud in e-commerce, driven by organized crime exploiting online platforms and social media. The need for robust data sharing and technology-enhanced defenses is emphasized, alongside discussions on using facial recognition technology while balancing privacy concerns.

Retail Risk Mitigation Strategies (0:28:48): We address the use of facial recognition technology in retail, highlighting the need for proportionality, data accuracy, and compliance with privacy laws. It emphasizes collaboration with technology vendors to enhance protective measures and underscores the importance of adapting to the evolving risk landscape in retail security.

Resources:

Corin’s company Insight Retail Risk Consultancy

Association of Convenience Stores’ 2024 Crime Report

More Info on the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

Meet your host Steve Kenny: Steve has spent 14 years in the security sector undertaking various roles that have seen him take responsibility for key elements of mission critical, high profile projects across a number of different vertical markets. For the last several years, Steve has focused his attention on how technologies can best complement day to day operations and specifically address operational issues by supporting the A&E consultant community across Northern Europe. Steve is a committee member for ASIS International focusing on Education for the security sector and the UK technology advisor for TINYg (Terrorist Information New York group).

Connect with Steve on LinkedIn

More about Axis Communications: Axis enables a smarter and safer world by creating solutions for improving security and business performance. As a network technology company and industry leader, Axis offers solutions in video surveillance, access control, intercom, and audio systems. They are enhanced by intelligent analytics applications and supported by high-quality training. Axis has around 4,000 dedicated employees in over 50 countries and collaborates with technology and system integration partners worldwide to deliver customer solutions. Axis was founded in 1984, and the headquarters are in Lund, Sweden.

Find out more about Axis Communications - Innovating for a smarter, safer world.

https://www.axis.com/