A new survey found that 36% of business leaders agree that artificial intelligence (AI) can be a useful crime-fighting tool, but only 7% have actually adopted it in their physical security strategy. While these numbers are better than in years past, it shows that AI still has awareness gains to be made before more organizations adopt it.

To better understand the physical security threats businesses are facing today, and what they’re doing to combat them, Pro-Vigil surveyed operations leaders across a range of industries including construction, dealerships (car/truck/boat/RV), retail, manufacturing, and more. The research resulted in the company’s fifth annual report, “The State of Physical Security Entering 2025.”

In addition to the AI insights, key findings from the survey include the following:

Increase in Physical Security Incidents

• Overall, respondents indicated a slight increase in physical security incidents (12%) over 2023, with 91% reporting incidents either increased or stayed the same in 2024.
• They cited damage to assets (25%), project delays (22%), and impact to inventory (20%) as the top impacts.
• Rising local crime rates (23%) was by far the top concern for respondents. The state of the economy came in second at 15%.

Spotlight on Surveillance

• When asked how their security strategy changed last year, 47% of respondents indicated they installed security cameras, and 12% implemented remote video monitoring (RVM) solutions.
• Another 19% installed fencing, with both new alarm systems and access control systems commanding 11%.
• Organizations indicated they use existing video monitoring infrastructure for other needs, including monitoring worksite conditions (39%).

Looking Ahead

• More than half (53%) of respondents said they are more worried about crime than a year ago.
• And in 2025, nearly a quarter (23%) predict physical security incidents at their business will increase.

The full report is available here.

Make sure to sign up for Facilities Management Advisor’s upcoming webinar, “OnSite Insights: Top Predictions for Building Security in 2025.” More info and FREE registration are available here.

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