Grocery Store Security: Protecting Customers, Employees, and Peace of Mind

Mobile surveillance trailers help grocery stores deter theft, monitor outdoor areas, and respond to evolving threats in real time.

Last Updated:
June 6, 2025
| ~
3
min Read
By
Scott Thompson
,
Marketing Writer
,
LVT

Summary

  • Shoplifting and retail crime have surged, with incidents up 93% since 2019.
  • Mobile surveillance units provide flexible, 24/7 monitoring and comprehensive security.
  • These units offer real-time alerts, remote access, and AI-powered analytics.
  • LVT’s mobile systems help grocers build safer, more secure environments for employees and customers alike.

The local grocery store is a cornerstone of everyday life. However, in today’s retail environment, crime is accelerating at an alarming pace. A 2024 survey by the National Retail Federation asked senior loss prevention and security executives from 164 mid-size and large retailers about crime in their stores. Of these companies, 41.7% sold apparel and footwear, while 13.9% sold food, drug, and health products. Many of the conclusions were stark:

  • Shoplifting incidents rose by 93% in 2023 compared to 2019, and dollar losses rose by 90% in the same period
  • Retailers reported a 42% increase in shoplifting events involving threats or acts of violence
  • 47% of respondents saw an increase in groups of more than three people working together to steal multiple items

Retail Crime is Evolving

Addressing retail crime effectively requires a two-pronged approach: strong deterrents before a crime occurs and swift consequences when offenders are caught. Unfortunately, the increase in crime rate suggests retailers, law enforcement, and the courts aren't keeping pace. 

In fact, according to the NRF report, a majority of respondents admitted to reporting less than half of theft incidents, either due to a lack of response from law enforcement or because the amount stolen was below the felony level. In addition, unlike casual shoplifters who might steal out of convenience or financial need, organized retail crime (ORC) rings are more calculated. Combating these groups requires a more strategic, unified approach that begins outside the store, before criminals even enter. 

Starting With Mobile Outdoor Surveillance

Mobile security trailers from LVT can act as a front-line deterrent. These trailers make it clear that retailers take surveillance seriously and are actively monitoring their premises. As a result, grocery stores can shift from being reactive to proactively discouraging criminals from setting foot on their property. 

LVT® Units can be equipped with PTZ, thermal, infrared, and panoramic cameras that deliver flexible, 24/7 coverage. Whether watching busy parking lots or monitoring loading docks, these mobile units provide:

  • Real-time alerts about suspicious behavior
  • Remote access and live monitoring 
  • Low-light and night-vision capabilities for maximum visibility
  • Visible deterrence that signals the area is under active surveillance

Just as importantly, because they don’t require permanent infrastructure, mobile surveillance trailers can be repositioned as needed—offering flexibility for evolving security concerns, seasonal traffic spikes, or changes in store layout. 

The results speak for themselves. One recent report found that enhanced surveillance systems have reduced criminal activities and nuisance behavior by up to 60% in public-facing environments.

Safety That Builds Trust—Inside and Out

When shoppers feel safe, they come back. When employees feel protected when arriving for an early shift or closing up late, morale improves. LVT’s surveillance systems do more than reduce risk—they increase peace of mind. And in the event of an incident, high-resolution footage provides critical evidence for law enforcement.

Built for Grocery Environments

Unlike fixed CCTV systems, LVT Units are fully mobile and modular. They can be deployed without trenching or electrical access, making them ideal for:

  • Remote delivery bays and loading docks
  • Busy parking lots or curbside pickup zones
  • Employee entrances and after-hours areas

Smarter Surveillance for Smarter Stores

With built-in video analytics, LVT Units not only capture footage, they interpret it. Thanks to agentic AI, systems can be trained to recognize loitering, vehicle movement patterns, or unusual behaviors. And because they integrate easily with broader security systems, LVT systems form a comprehensive perimeter defense that works alongside in-store measures.

Outdoor mobile surveillance is no longer optional for grocers who are serious about safety. It’s a proven tool for protecting assets, preventing losses, and creating an environment where customers and employees alike feel secure.

Ready to Rethink Grocery Store Security?

Contact LVT today to learn how our mobile grocery store security solutions can help your store stay protected—outside and in.

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