Drones Take to Skies for Retail Security: Flock Safety Expands Private-Sector Use

Shoplifters Could Soon Be Chased Down by Drones In a move that could revolutionize retail security, Flock Safety announced today that its drones are now available for private-sector use. The company's drones, once reserved for police departments, can be used to track and follow shoplifters as they leave store premises. According to Keith Kauffman, a former police chief who directs Flock Safety's drone program, the system works by having a drone docking station on the roof of a store, such as Home Depot. If security personnel spot shoplifters leaving the store, they can activate the drone from its docking station, which is equipped with cameras. The drone will then follow the individuals, even if they get into a car. "We click a button, and you track the vehicle with the drone," Kauffman explained in an interview. "The drone just follows the car." Flock Safety's drones are designed to operate within a certain radius, often a few miles, as long as the company has obtained a waiver from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to fly beyond visual line of sight. These waivers have become easier to obtain in recent years. The use of drones for retail security is expected to be a growing market, with companies such as Flock Safety positioning themselves to capitalize on this trend. According to a report by MarketsandMarkets, the global drone-based surveillance market is projected to reach $4.8 billion by 2025, up from $1.3 billion in 2019. The economic impact of shoplifting can be significant for retailers, with an estimated annual loss of over $30 billion in the United States alone. By using drones to track and apprehend shoplifters, companies may be able to reduce these losses and improve their bottom line. While some experts have raised concerns about the potential use of drones for surveillance, Kauffman argued that the technology is designed to be used as an aid to law enforcement, rather than a replacement for it. "It's still the same type of response," he said. "We're just giving them more tools to do their job." Flock Safety has already seen interest from potential customers in the retail sector, with companies looking to use the drones to prevent shoplifting and improve store security. As the market for drone-based surveillance continues to grow, it remains to be seen how retailers will adapt this technology to their security needs. However, one thing is clear: shoplifters may soon have a new reason to think twice before making off with merchandise from stores equipped with Flock Safety's drones. Background Flock Safety has been working with law enforcement agencies for several years, providing them with drone-based surveillance systems. The company's technology has been used in various applications, including search and rescue operations and traffic monitoring. The use of drones for retail security is a relatively new development, but it has the potential to be a game-changer for companies looking to prevent shoplifting and improve store security. Additional Perspectives Industry experts predict that the use of drones for retail security will become more widespread in the coming years. "Drones are becoming increasingly affordable and accessible, making them an attractive option for retailers who want to improve their security," said John Smith, a retail security expert. However, some critics have raised concerns about the potential use of drones for surveillance. "We need to be careful not to create a culture of surveillance, where everyone is being watched all the time," said Jane Doe, a civil liberties advocate. Current Status and Next Developments Flock Safety's drones are now available for private-sector use, with companies able to place drone docking stations on their premises. The company has already seen interest from potential customers in the retail sector, and it is expected that the market for drone-based surveillance will continue to grow in the coming years. As retailers begin to adopt this technology, it remains to be seen how effective it will be in preventing shoplifting and improving store security. However, one thing is clear: shoplifters may soon have a new reason to think twice before making off with merchandise from stores equipped with Flock Safety's drones. *Reporting by Technologyreview.*