Kristian Torode, Director and co-founder of business technology firm Crystaline, discusses how the Internet of Things (IoT) can help retailers enhance security, reduce losses and create safer shopping experiences without requiring massive investments.
In January 2025, the Crime Survey for England and Wales reported a 23 per cent increase in shoplifting offences in the 12-month period ending September 2024, compared to the previous year. Theft significantly impacts profitability in the retail sector, making it essential to adopt cost-effective solutions, particularly for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that may not have the resources of larger chains.
As the threat of theft continues to rise, SMEs are seeking ways to enhance security without breaking the bank. This is where IoT technology can make a real difference. By offering effective, scalable solutions, IoT can help retailers improve not only their security systems but also streamline their overall operations.
Premises security
Gone are the days of grainy CCTV footage that offers little help after an incident has already occurred. Instead, IoT-enabled surveillance cameras are today able to provide real-time monitoring about potential theft or unauthorised access. One of the key benefits of this solution is that business owners can receive instant alerts and access live footage remotely, even when off-site.
Additional smart features enabled by IoT include motion-activated lighting and automated alarm systems, which can be programmed to differentiate between regular activity and potential threats to reduce the rate of false alarms. In dangerous situations, panic buttons linked to IoT networks allow employees to discreetly alert authorities, ensuring help is just a tap away.
Smart shelves
Keeping track of inventory can feel like an endless battle, especially when theft is part of the equation. By incorporating radio frequency identification (RFID) tags or small sensors, this process is simplified thanks to real-time monitoring, something that’s particularly useful for high-value items. If these items disappear unexpectedly or are moved in an unusual pattern, store managers can receive instant alerts, allowing them to act fast and address potential issues before they escalate.
Beyond security, this technology also helps streamline stock management, ensuring that shelves stay adequately stocked without retailers investing too much or too little on inventory. With IoT, retailers no longer have to rely solely on reactive measures — they can stop theft before it happens and improve inventory flow, all with the same technology.
Locking up restricted areas
Stockrooms, cash offices and other restricted zones hold valuable assets, making them prime targets for internal and external theft. Traditional locks and keys can be easily lost, copied or bypassed but IoT-based access control systems offer a smarter solution.
With keyless entry via mobile apps or smart keycards, retailers can manage access in real time, granting or revoking permissions instantly. If an unauthorised person attempts entry, alerts are sent immediately, allowing store managers to intervene before anything goes missing. This level of control ensures that only trusted staff members can access sensitive areas, keeping both products and profits protected.
Using resources effectively
Despite the security benefits that IoT offers, cost remains a barrier for many SMEs in the retail sector. Wasting resources on ineffective or poorly integrated technology can lead to unnecessary costs, hindering business growth rather than helping it.
About the firm
Through Vodafone, Crystaline provides the Vodafone Smart Connectivity suite of IoT solutions, as part of its telecoms offerings of VoIP telephony, business broadband, IoT or handsets. More at crystaline.uk/blogs/.
