Auckland Business Owner Turns to AI After Facing Repeat Thefts
An Auckland business owner, Maree Trow, has found a unique way to combat repeated thefts targeting her shop by turning to artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Trow, owner of Stirling Sports Pukekohe, has been the victim of four ram-raids since December last year. Her store in Thames has also been hit twice. With estimated damages and security upgrades totaling around $100,000, including the installation of new CCTV cameras and reinforced glass panels costing $1000 each, Trow has decided to invest in the AI-based security system called ‘Watchful.’
Watchful is a cutting-edge technology system that utilizes AI to identify potential threats and respond accordingly. When it identifies a potential criminal activity, it engages an array of lights, sirens, and cameras to startle the criminal and make them flee. Trow’s Stirling Sports store is the first retail business to adopt this technology after its successful implementation at construction sites.
The decision to utilize AI technology came after Trow realized the exorbitant costs and emotional toll caused by the repeated thefts. She described the anxiety she experienced, staying awake in the early morning hours, anticipating calls about another incident. However, her encounter with one of the criminals who targeted her shop provided her with a new perspective on crime. Meeting him, she discovered his troubled past and heartbreaking story, offering her a glimpse into the circumstances that lead to such criminal acts.
Watchful founder, Joshua Parsons, who joined Trow in an interview, explained that the technology has already proven effective on construction sites, with a remarkable 80% of people fleeing upon activation. By bringing this successful product into the retail sector, Parsons aims to startle criminals and deter them from pursuing their illegal activities. Despite the misconception that AI systems can be expensive, Parsons emphasized that Watchful is designed to utilize existing security networks, minimizing costs for businesses like Trow’s.
The implementation of AI technology in combating theft not only highlights the innovative solutions available to business owners but also sheds light on the complexities and underlying issues surrounding crime. Maree Trow’s experience encountering one of the thieves who targeted her store has given her a newfound understanding and empathy towards those involved in criminal activities. As more businesses embrace AI systems like Watchful, it is hoped that the deterrent effect and potential for apprehension will contribute to a safer environment for all.
