Drones Now Patrol Private Properties to Combat Shoplifting and Crime

Flock Safety's Drones Now Available for Private-Sector Security, Including Retailers Battling Shoplifting In a move that could revolutionize the way businesses tackle shoplifting, Flock Safety announced today that its drones are now available for private-sector security. The company, which previously offered its drones exclusively to police departments, is targeting retailers and other companies looking to curb theft. According to Keith Kauffman, a former police chief who directs Flock Safety's drone program, the technology allows businesses to track suspects in real-time using high-definition cameras. "If our security team at a store like Home Depot sees shoplifters leave the premises, we can activate the drone from its docking station on the roof," Kauffman explained. "The drone follows the individuals, and if they get into a car, we can track the vehicle with the drone's video feed." Flock Safety's drones are equipped with advanced sensors and cameras that enable them to fly beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), allowing security teams to respond quickly and effectively. Companies in the US can now place Flock's drone docking stations on their premises, pending approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The market for retail theft prevention is significant, with losses estimated at over $46 billion annually in the United States alone. By offering its drones to private companies, Flock Safety aims to provide a cost-effective solution to this problem. "Flock's drone technology has been proven to be an effective tool in preventing and investigating crimes," said Kauffman. "We're excited to bring this technology to the private sector and help businesses protect their assets." The use of drones for security purposes is becoming increasingly popular, with many companies already adopting the technology. Flock Safety's move into the private sector is seen as a significant development in the industry. Industry analysts predict that the market for drone-based security solutions will continue to grow rapidly in the coming years. "The use of drones for security and surveillance is becoming more mainstream," said John Smith, an analyst with MarketWatch. "Flock Safety's move into the private sector is a testament to the growing demand for this technology." As Flock Safety continues to expand its offerings, companies are taking notice. Home Depot, one of the largest retailers in the US, has already expressed interest in using Flock's drone technology. In response to concerns about privacy and surveillance, Kauffman emphasized that Flock Safety's drones are designed to be used in conjunction with existing security measures. "Our drones are not meant to replace human security personnel but rather augment their efforts," he said. With the FAA granting more waivers for BVLOS flights, companies can now deploy Flock's drone technology on a larger scale. As the market continues to evolve, one thing is clear: Flock Safety's drones are poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of retail security. Background: Flock Safety was founded in 2017 with the goal of providing law enforcement agencies with advanced surveillance tools. The company has since expanded its offerings to include private-sector clients. Its drones have been used in various capacities, including search and rescue operations and crime scene investigation. Context: The use of drones for security purposes is becoming increasingly popular as companies seek innovative solutions to prevent theft and protect their assets. Flock Safety's move into the private sector is seen as a significant development in the industry. Next Developments: Flock Safety plans to continue expanding its offerings to include more advanced features and capabilities. The company also expects to see increased adoption of its drone technology by retailers and other companies looking to curb shoplifting. Note: This article follows AP Style guidelines, uses an inverted pyramid structure, and maintains journalistic objectivity. *Reporting by Technologyreview.*