Smash-and-grab incidents involve criminals breaking into retail stores – often by shattering windows or doors –  to quickly steal high-value merchandise and flee before authorities arrive. These swift, destructive attacks not only result in significant financial loss, but also leave lasting damage to property and a sense of insecurity among employees and customers.

The Impact of Smash-and-Grab 

Retailers dealing with these incidents often experience:

• Disruptions to business operations and damaged property
• Elevated costs due to repeated incidents and insurance claims
• A tense environment where both customers and employees feel unsafe

Proactively Address Smash-and-Grabs with Flock Safety: 

Flock Safety’s LPR and video technology provide a strategic advantage in preventing and solving smash-and-grab incidents:

• Visual Deterrence: Solar-powered, infrastructure-free cameras placed strategically around parking lots and building perimeters combined with signage and lighting send a message that your business is vigilant, making it an unappealing place for crime. 
• Swift Response and Evidence Collection: Video recordings combined with detailed vehicle data from LPR cameras provide law enforcement with the crucial information needed to act swiftly and apprehend suspects.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Flock Safety’s suite of security solutions –  which includes LPR cameras, video cameras and gunshot detection devices –  creates a comprehensive layer of protection that spans parking areas, entry points, and high-value zones. If smash-and-grab incidents escalate into violence, law enforcement can be immediately notified.

Proven Outcomes

Before implementing Flock Safety, Friedman’s Home Improvement experienced significant losses from shoplifting cases that put employees at risk. Within four months of using Flock Safety’s LPR cameras paired with deterrence signage and lighting, they saw a 23% reduction in year-over-year shrinkage. Read the full case study here. 

Protecting against smash-and-grab incidents requires more than reactive measures; it calls for proactive, intelligent security solutions. Implementing Flock Safety’s advanced LPR and video technology empowers retailers to deter these swift, destructive crimes by capturing detailed vehicle data, enabling quicker response times, and providing invaluable evidence for investigations. With comprehensive coverage of parking lots and entry points, retailers can ensure both their property and employees are safeguarded, reducing financial losses and enhancing overall store security. By choosing Flock Safety, retailers can build a resilient, proactive defense against smash-and-grab crimes and foster a safer environment for everyone.