Introducing Ares-i the future of retail security: Combating crime in the blink of an eye
South Africa experienced a 20% increase in shoplifting between 2022 and 2023, with the Western Cape and Gauteng seeing the highest spikes in this form of crime1. While retail experts attribute this rise to increasing unemployment rates in the country, it underscores the urgent need for enhanced security solutions to address the growing challenge. That is why we are introducing Ares-i as the future of retail security.
South Africa’s retail sector is under siege from a rising tide of criminal activities that are becoming more brazen and frequent. Shoplifting, once viewed as petty theft, now involves repeat offenders causing major financial losses, while vandalism and robbery foster fear and insecurity for employees and customers.
Fraudulent activities, such as payment scams, further complicate the situation, eroding trust in retail transactions. The rise of ‘dine-and-dashers’ in restaurants shows a growing disregard for legal consequences, emphasising the need for stronger security measures across the industry.
These acts are increasing in frequency, with the SAPS crime statistics suggesting that from 1 October 2023 to 31 December 2023, as many as 13,508 acts of shoplifting, were reported2.
To combat this growing problem, Tesserai, a division of Mettus, has introduced a cutting-edge solution, Ares-i that leverages live facial recognition technology, integrated with existing infrastructure, to proactively identify and deter individuals with malicious intent before they strike.
Vic Esterhuizen, Head of Digital Identity at Tesserai, says that in a country where crime is a constant concern, Ares-i empowers businesses to watch, prevent and secure their premises with groundbreaking and innovative technology.
“Ares-i empowers South African businesses to proactively monitor and respond to potential threats in real-time, seamlessly integrating with existing surveillance systems to enhance security. By providing instant data through advanced AI analysis, the system enables retailers to stay ahead of criminal activities and build comprehensive watchlists of suspicious individuals,” explains Esterhuizen.
Additionally, Ares-i helps companies establish a robust database of identified criminals, set up real-time alerts, and protect their assets, while also enhancing customer experience by recognising and prioritising the safety of loyal customers.
Choosing Ares-i means investing in an innovative, ethical security solution built for the South African crime landscape. Ares-i goes beyond protection, partnering with clients to craft tailored solutions for their unique security challenges. This balanced approach ensures that security efforts also contribute to business growth.
“With Ares-i, we are committed to building a safer South Africa, where businesses can thrive, and people can engage with peace of mind. This solution brings human faces into focus, combating crime in the blink of an eye,” concludes Esterhuizen.
For more information on how Ares-i can protect and elevate your business in South Africa, kindly visit https://www.linkedin.com/company/ares-i/about/.
