Milestone provides their XProtect video management software to monitor a busy shopping centre in Sydney

PMT Security deployed an advanced facial recognition system at a busy shopping centre in Sydney, integrated with Milestone’s open platform XProtect® video management software (VMS). This helps the retail complex to keep things safe for customers and stops repeat shoplifting offenders before they can do it again.

In Western Sydney, a central retail centre is a destination for shoppers who choose from 50+ specialty stores, ‘big box’ retailers, food chains and a wide variety of excellent cafes. And maintaining a safe environment for customers is essential to keep the businesses booming.

Enhancing situational awareness

Unfortunately, daily trespassing outside of retail hours had become an issue for this shopping centre, and several known drug offenders had been evicted on a regular basis. Additionally, antisocial behaviour had increased to include individuals who frequently entered the centre under the influence of illicit substances, who were shoplifting and disturbing the peace.

The shopping centre needed a solution to help them recognise known transgressors

Previously, the security team could only review video footage from analogue cameras one by one, after the event, which was time consuming. The shopping centre needed a solution to help them recognise known transgressors as they entered the premises and to alert security staff. A more sophisticated system would enable proactive security measures, enhancing situational awareness and safety before the problem could deter customers.

Digital video recorders

Solutions used are as follows:

• Milestone XProtect VMS
• Facial recognition capabilities from Vix Vizion Imagus
• Consultation and implementation by PMT Security
• Flexibility to expand the system with added integrations in the future

At the centre of the technology stack, the XProtect open platform VMS from Milestone Systems manages new IP network video cameras, analogue encoders and digital video recorders.

The Vix Vizion Imagus facial recognition software uses artificial intelligence to identify problematic individuals in the crowded centre by using data from integrated records of prior misdemeanours. The smart technology also allows security administrators to automate parts of the monitoring process by setting alerts and profiles on the system for banned individuals.

Tracking known associates

The system can also recognise and track known associates of repeat offenders

The shopping centre now has a timesaving, best-of-breed solution that enables the security team to be proactive about security. In addition to identifying troublesome individuals, the system can also recognise and track known associates of repeat offenders. This gives operators the ability to find people who may have also been involved in crimes, adding a further layer of security to the network.

Facial recognition can also help VIP customers to have an enhanced buying experience by using the technology, for example, to trigger the preparation of a customer’s usual coffee order as soon as they enter a café, with no waiting in line.

Open platform solution

With the PMT Security solution, the shopping centre’s security team has been able to curb offensive behaviour and trespassing, and the number of individuals attempting to trespass on the property has dropped to ‘almost zero’ as a result of the investment. The technology’s automated alerts have also made the security mission more efficient, saving considerable time that was previously spent monitoring screens and manually inputting data.

Finally, the open platform solution ensures that the shopping centre can integrate the latest technologies as they become available, thereby continuing to offer their customers the very best retail experience possible, today and in the future. “Retail deployments like this are at the very forefront of today’s video technology, and the open platform creates the possibility of further technology integrations, essentially future-proofing the business,” said Brett Hansen, Country Manager, Milestone Systems.