8 Must-Have Video Security Systems for Retail Loss Prevention

Retailers today face intense margin pressures from rising theft, fraud, and other causes of shrink. In North America alone, retail shrink (losses from theft and error) exceeded $120 billion in 2024, directly eroding profitability. To protect their bottom line, many retailers are turning to AI-powered video security systems that do far more than passively record footage. Modern solutions can proactively detect threats, send real-time alerts, deter criminal activity, and even provide business insights from video data – all helping reduce losses and improve efficiency. The result is not only safer stores, but also a stronger return on investment through theft reduction and operational gains.

Below we highlight 8 must-have video security systems for retail loss prevention in 2025. Each system offers advanced features to help retailers combat shoplifting and organized retail crime, though they differ in approach. We’ve ranked them by overall capabilities, and we note each solution’s key strengths and limitations (such as cost, complexity, hardware lock-in, or cloud dependence). This neutral overview will help you compare options and see why the top pick stands out as a superior choice for protecting your stores.

1. Alpha Vision – AI-Powered Physical Security Platform

Alpha Vision is a modern “Physical AI” video security platform built to stop retail theft in its tracks. It transforms ordinary security cameras into intelligent sentries through cloud-based AI – actively watching for threats, assisting guards, and providing rich analytics. Alpha Vision’s platform delivers intelligent surveillance through multiple AI agents working 24/7: for example, an AI Inspector autonomously monitors all camera feeds to spot suspicious activity or policy violations in real time. When a potential threat is detected, the system not only alerts staff instantly, but can also intervene with deterrence tools on the spot. Below are some of Alpha Vision’s must-have capabilities that make it the #1 choice for retail loss prevention:

• Intelligent Search & Analytics: Alpha Vision includes a Magic Search feature that lets users query video footage in natural language – finding specific people, objects, behaviors or events within seconds, without hours of manual scrubbing=. The platform’s built-in AI analytics (like people-counting heatmaps and dwell-time tracking) turn video into actionable insights, helping retailers understand customer traffic patterns and optimize store operations. This combination of Google-like video search and smart analytics ensures no incident goes unnoticed and provides data to improve merchandising, staffing, and more.
  

• Autonomous Real-Time Detection: The system employs always-on AI “eyes” so nothing slips through. Its AI Inspector agent watches every camera feed continuously and flags suspicious behaviors in real time (e.g. loitering in a restricted area or a potential shoplifting in progress). By automatically detecting threats or anomalies the moment they occur, Alpha Vision enables security teams to respond immediately – rather than only reviewing footage after the fact. Routine monitoring tasks are handled by AI, freeing up your loss prevention staff to focus on swiftly intervening in incidents and assisting customers.
  

• Active Deterrence & Live Intervention: Unlike basic CCTV, Alpha Vision doesn’t just observe – it acts to stop incidents. The platform supports real-time deterrence measures such as integrated speaker outputs and strobe lights. Upon detecting a threat, it can play an automated warning or siren to scare off offenders. Additionally, Alpha Vision integrates with 24/7 remote monitoring services for live guard intervention. Security operators can talk down to suspects via two-way audio in the cameras, issuing immediate voice warnings to would-be thieves on-site. This ability to announce to an intruder that they are being watched has proven highly effective in defusing incidents before they escalate. For example, if a shoplifter is about to conceal merchandise, a remote guard can instantly boom a message like, “Staff are on the way, please stop,” often preventing the theft on the spot.
  

• Enterprise-Grade Compliance & Scalability: Alpha Vision is designed for large-scale retail deployments. It’s fully NDAA-compliant, meaning it meets strict government security standards for hardware and software. The solution is also 100% cloud-native, with no need for on-site NVR/DVR servers. Deployment is plug-and-play – you simply connect compliant IP cameras (from Axis or other supported brands) to Alpha Vision, and they securely auto-connect to the cloud. This makes installations and expansions remarkably easy. The platform scales effortlessly from one store to hundreds: adding a new location is as straightforward as installing cameras and logging them into the cloud portal, with minimal IT infrastructure or overhead. All video feeds and alerts can be managed centrally across sites, ensuring consistent security policies and quick rollouts for growing retailers.
  

• Proven Loss Prevention Results: Alpha Vision’s AI-driven approach has a demonstrated track record in reducing retail crime. Fortune 500 retailers like Walgreens have deployed Alpha Vision to protect their stores, and have seen measurable improvements – including up to a 5% reduction in overall crime and over $600,000 in annual savings thanks to prevented losses and efficiency gains. Across real-world implementations, the platform has also accelerated incident response times (cases resolved 72% faster on average). These outcomes underscore that Alpha Vision isn’t just a cool tech experiment; it’s a battle-tested solution delivering ROI through lower shrink and safer shopping environments. By combining advanced AI detection, live intervention capabilities, rich analytics, and easy scalability, Alpha Vision provides retailers an all-in-one loss prevention system – one that actively fights theft and fraud in real time while yielding valuable insights to improve operations. It sets a high bar that other solutions struggle to match, which is why it tops our list.
  
  

2. Cisco Meraki MV – Cloud-Managed Smart Cameras

Cisco Meraki MV is a cloud-managed camera solution ideal for retailers using Cisco networking. The plug-and-play cameras are managed through a single dashboard, store video locally with optional cloud backup, and reduce bandwidth needs while supporting remote access. Built-in analytics like heatmaps and people counting offer retail insights, and integration with Cisco’s ecosystem simplifies management for lean IT teams.

Limitations

• Proprietary Hardware Lock-In: Only works with Meraki MV cameras and licenses; no support for third-party hardware.
  

• High Cost at Scale: Premium pricing plus required licenses per camera make large deployments expensive.
  

• Limited Video Retention: Onboard storage covers only days or weeks unless additional cloud archive licenses are purchased.
  

• Internet Dependence: Remote viewing, alerts, and cloud management require stable connectivity; outages disrupt monitoring.

3. Arcules – Hybrid Cloud Video-as-a-Service

Arcules is a cloud-based VSaaS platform that extends Milestone’s VMS to multi-site retailers. It centralizes video management with live and recorded access via web or mobile, forensic search, and analytics like people counting and heatmaps. Arcules supports ONVIF-compatible cameras, allowing reuse of existing hardware, and offers flexible cloud or hybrid storage through a local gateway. Automatic updates and built-in cybersecurity reduce IT workload.

Limitations

• Gateway Required: Most deployments need an on-site gateway; only select Axis cameras stream direct-to-cloud.
  

• Hybrid Trade-offs: Local storage saves bandwidth but limits some cloud analytics and search features.
  

• Scalability: Best for small to mid-size setups; less suited to very large enterprise deployments.
  

• Added Costs: Gateways plus per-camera subscriptions increase total cost of ownership.
  
  

4. OpenEye Web Services (OWS) – Hybrid Cloud VMS

OpenEye Web Services (OWS) is a hybrid cloud VMS that combines local recording with cloud management. Retailers can use on-site NVRs or OpenEye appliances for high-quality storage while accessing cameras, alerts, and admin tools through a secure cloud portal. OWS offers built-in analytics like object detection and people counting, plus integrations with alarms and access control—making it a practical balance between cloud convenience and local reliability.

Limitations

• Hardware Dependence: Requires on-site NVRs or cloud-enabled cameras, adding upfront costs and maintenance.
  

• Costly for Small Sites: Hardware plus subscriptions can make per-camera costs high for small deployments.
  

• Network Reliance: Internet outages block remote alerts and live views, though local recording continues.
  

• Complex Setup: Integration and configuration often need IT expertise, unlike simpler plug-and-play systems.

5. Camio – AI-Powered Video Search & Monitoring

Camio is a cloud-native AI platform that transforms existing cameras into smart sensors. Dubbed the “Google for video,” it uses machine learning to index footage, enabling natural language search (e.g., “person with red shirt at front door 3pm”). For retailers, Camio speeds investigations, filters routine motion, and provides unlimited cloud storage. It integrates with third-party tools like Slack or POS systems, enhancing loss prevention without proprietary hardware.

Limitations

• DIY Deployment: Software-only setup may require gateways and IT effort; less turnkey than packaged systems.
  

• Cloud Reliance: Needs strong internet for real-time AI analysis; edge options exist but add complexity.
  

• Not a Full VMS: Lacks full video management features, so often used alongside another VMS/NVR.
  

• Tuning Needed: AI may trigger false alerts until calibrated for each environment.

6. Cloudastructure – AI Surveillance with Remote Guarding

Cloudastructure is a cloud-based surveillance platform that combines AI video analytics with optional 24/7 remote guarding. It detects threats like intrusions or loitering in real time and alerts security operators who can intervene via loudspeakers or call police. Supporting standard IP cameras and NDAA-compliant models, it offers cloud storage, dashboards, and portable units for outdoor or remote sites—providing proactive coverage without on-site guards.

Limitations

• Subscription Costs: Full value depends on remote guarding, which adds significant ongoing expense.
  

• Privacy Risks: External monitoring raises compliance and privacy concerns that require strict agreements.
  

• Cloud Dependence: Requires strong internet; outages or latency can disrupt AI detection and guard response.
  

• Scaling Costs: Fees rise quickly across multiple stores and cameras, making large deployments costly.

7. Tyco Cloud – Unified Video & Access Control

Tyco Cloud from Johnson Controls unifies video surveillance and access control in one cloud platform. It supports Illustra Cloud Cameras or existing cameras via a gateway, giving retailers flexibility with deployments. Features include occupancy counting, shopper heatmaps, and Hyper View search across many cameras, while integration with access control links video to door events. Hosted on Microsoft Azure, it delivers enterprise-grade security, redundancy, and scalability.

Limitations

• Maturing Platform: Still evolving, with some features less polished than established VMS systems.
  

• High Costs: Per-camera and per-door subscriptions, plus premium hardware, make it expensive at scale.
  

• Hardware Tie-In: Works best with Illustra cameras and Tyco gateways, creating vendor lock-in.
  

• Migration Challenges: Unified video/access control model makes switching vendors or integrating others difficult.
  
  

8. ArcadianAI “Ranger” – Virtual AI Security Guard

ArcadianAI Ranger is an AI-driven virtual guard that connects to existing IP cameras and monitors them 24/7. Its context-aware algorithms detect credible threats like loitering, fence climbing, or unattended objects while reducing false alarms. Ranger sends instant alerts via mobile app and can monitor hundreds of cameras at once—helping retailers cut guard costs and improve overnight or ORC protection.

Limitations

• No Recording/Storage: Ranger is only an AI layer; you’ll need a separate VMS or cameras to archive video.
  

• Cloud & Bandwidth Reliance: All feeds stream to the cloud, requiring strong internet and adding latency.
  

• Emerging Tech: Still maturing, with potential false positives and limited support compared to larger vendors.