As crimes targeting unmanned stores have surged recently, a growing number of store owners are adopting artificial intelligence (AI) security solutions. The shift reflects a spreading recognition that AI-powered real-time response is more effective than conventional CCTV recording systems, which are limited to after-the-fact responses, industry analysts said.
Contracts for S-1 Corporation’s AI security solutions dedicated to unmanned stores rose 33% year-on-year last year, according to industry data released on the 30th.
The increase is attributed to the recent rise in unmanned store crimes. According to the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission, monthly complaints related to theft and damage at unmanned stores nearly doubled in two years, rising from an average of 54 per month in 2022 to 103 in 2024.
The AI security solution works by using AI-enabled CCTV cameras to detect abnormal behavior in real time — such as vandalism or prolonged loitering inside a store — and relay alerts to a monitoring center while simultaneously sending real-time notifications to the store owner’s smartphone. “AI detects signs of criminal activity first, and then human operators make judgments and respond,” an S-1 official said. “Our AI security solution for unmanned stores is focused on overcoming the limitations of conventional CCTV.”
In a recent case, AI CCTV detected two teenagers lingering for an extended period inside an unmanned store after it had closed in the early morning hours. Upon detecting the abnormal behavior, the AI sent real-time alerts to the monitoring center and the store owner’s smartphone. When the owner checked the video feed, the teenagers were transferring displayed merchandise into their bags. Police dispatched after the owner’s report apprehended the suspects nearby.
S-1 also provides dedicated sensors for kiosks and vending machines to prevent crimes involving damage to unmanned checkout systems. When the sensors detect breakage or abnormal impact, a signal is immediately transmitted to the monitoring center. If a locking mechanism is compromised, a warning announcement is broadcast and an emergency response team is dispatched.
One pet supply store owner who adopted S-1’s AI security solution for unmanned stores said, “I used to feel anxious all the time because I had no way of knowing what was happening in the store until I came in each morning and reviewed the CCTV footage. Now I feel relieved because the monitoring center responds immediately whenever the AI detects abnormal behavior.” The owner added, “There have been cases where criminal activity stopped just from the warning broadcast before anyone was even dispatched, so I can really feel the preventive effect.”
In addition, a compensation service covering up to 10 million won ($7,400) is provided in cases of theft or damage. S-1 said the compensation system helps reduce the operational burden on store owners by partially covering repair costs and losses when incidents occur.
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