TL;DR:
- SentriForce introduces LotWitness, an AI-powered safety system for retail parking lots.
- LotWitness employs lights, customizable announcements, and signage to deter theft and promote customer safety.
- The solution is cost-effective and minimizes space usage by installing on light poles.
- SentriForce’s success with early installations has led to the development of additional features, including high-definition video recording.
- A beta version of LotWitness is operational in Houston, with plans to expand nationwide.
Main AI News:
In a bold move to enhance safety in retail parking lots, video surveillance industry leader SentriForce has introduced LotWitness, a cutting-edge AI-driven safety system designed to empower visitors in safeguarding their belongings from theft. This forward-looking solution combines flashing red and blue lights, customizable AI-powered safety announcements, and strategically placed signage to remind patrons to secure or conceal their valuables before departing their vehicles.
The overarching objective is to furnish owners and property managers of shopping centers, restaurants, and bars with an economical yet highly effective strategy for deterring criminal activities, as elucidated by SentriForce’s CEO, Chris Peschang. “LotWitness’ safety features not only serve as a reminder to customers to take measures to safeguard their valuables but also serve as a powerful deterrent to would-be criminals,” he emphasized. “We are thrilled to introduce this groundbreaking solution to the discerning market in Texas.”
What sets LotWitness apart from other surveillance solutions is its unobtrusive installation on light poles, harnessing the existing electrical infrastructure for power. This minimal footprint not only ensures enhanced safety but also provides more space for valued customers. Peschang elucidates, “Parking spaces are a precious commodity for retail centers, and LotWitness enables us to assist property managers in crime prevention without encroaching upon valuable real estate.”
SentriForce, a stalwart in the security solutions arena, has been rendering comprehensive managed security services to sectors spanning construction, municipal infrastructure, and single- and multi-family residential markets since its inception in 2004.
The genesis of LotWitness occurred in response to a request from a restaurateur in the Houston area, who noticed flashing lights on a SentriForce surveillance device at a construction site. Upon mutual agreement, SentriForce installed a similar system in the restaurant’s parking lot, with the commitment to remove it at no cost should there be no reduction in break-ins. This installation took place shortly before the Houston Astros’ playoff season, historically associated with a surge in criminal activities. Remarkably, there were no reported car break-ins during that season, affirming SentriForce’s pioneering efforts.
Commenting on this milestone, Peschang shared, “That success was achieved solely through the presence of a box with lights, and we hadn’t even introduced audible reminders at that point.“
These early achievements served as a catalyst for the development of additional features, including high-definition video recording capabilities. Currently, a beta version of LotWitness is operational at establishments such as FM Kitchen and Tenfold Coffee in Houston. Customers subscribing to LotWitness benefit from round-the-clock service and support, inclusive of video evidence retrieval, as part of their flexible monthly rental agreements.
While the market-ready version of this product is presently accessible in the southeastern United States, Peschang has affirmed SentriForce’s intention to expand its footprint nationwide. “Incidents of break-ins are pervasive, and we are determined to make a difference,” he stated. “With LotWitness, we are forging safer environments for customers while safeguarding the investments of property owners and managers. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.”
Conclusion:
SentriForce’s LotWitness represents a significant advancement in parking lot security, offering a cost-effective solution with minimal space requirements. Its success in early deployments and plans for nationwide expansion indicate a promising future for enhancing safety in retail parking lots, benefiting both customers and property owners. This innovative offering is poised to make a substantial impact on the market by addressing the pervasive issue of theft and break-ins.
