Dive Brief:

• Family Express has installed new artificial intelligence security features at an undisclosed number of locations throughout its convenience store network in Indiana, according to a social media announcement.
• The retailer has added the active deterrent system by security firm Action-CS, as well as the remote push-to-help video monitoring system by OnView Integrated Solutions. 
• Both systems include remote monitoring capabilities that, in the case of suspicious activity, broadcast automated warnings or let retailers manually warn potential perpetrators from another location.

Dive Insight:

With challenges like retail theft and vandalism continuing to persist throughout the c-store industry, a sound security system and a safety-first culture could go a long way toward crime prevention, experts say.

Action-CS’s deterrent system can be placed both inside and outside of stores, and suspicious activity triggers lights and either automated or manual warnings. It can be mounted to ceilings or poles, or bracket-mounted onto internet protocol (IP) security cameras. No additional wiring is needed to power the device.

Action-CS’s plug-and-play secure cloud allows retailers using its systems to instantly access their cameras remotely, as well as speak into the system from any remote monitoring station to help avoid a potentially dangerous situation.

Meanwhile, when OnView’s push-to-help system is activated, an automated voice broadcasts throughout the store, announcing that OnView’s dispatch team has received an alert and has notified a security team.

Besides Family Express, 7-Eleven, Circle K and Loop Neighborhood Market will also be using OnView’s remote video monitoring services, Onview said on Facebook.

Family Express did not respond by press time to an inquiry for more details on its new security systems.

7-Eleven also uses IP cameras in and around its stores to capture events as they happen, collect data to understand who is coming and going, gain information to share with law enforcement and help identify robbers by capturing information from the electronics they’re carrying during a crime.

Founded in 1975, Valparaiso, Indiana-based Family Express operates 81 convenience stores throughout Northwest and North Central Indiana.