Access Control vs. Lock-and-Key: What Actually Stops Retail Theft?

Retail theft has reached crisis levels in North America, costing businesses billions of dollars every year. From Capital One Shopping Research, U.S. retailers lost an estimated $45 billion due to retail shrink in 2024. Globally, the retail shrink loss was an estimated $132 billion. For many convenience stores, liquor stores, and large retailers, theft of age-gated products makes up a disproportionate share of losses. 

The question every retailer faces is simple: Are traditional methods like lock-and-key displays still enough to stop theft, or is it time for modern access control? 

Why Traditional Security Methods Fail 

For decades, stores have relied on basic theft-prevention tools: 

• Locked display cases – Customers must ask staff to retrieve products. 

• Extra staff on the floor – Assigning employees to “guard” high-value areas. 

• Cameras and signage – Acting as deterrents but rarely preventing theft in real-time. 
  
  

While these approaches provide some security, they come with significant downsides: 

• Customer frustration – Waiting for staff to unlock a case often drives customers away. 

• Operational inefficiency – Employees spend time managing keys instead of helping customers. 

• Limited deterrence – Determined thieves often find ways around these systems. 

• No accountability – Once a product is stolen, it’s nearly impossible to identify the perpetrator. 

Simply put: Lock-and-key is outdated in today’s retail environment. 

How Access Control Transforms Retail Security 

Modern access control systems like Patronscan go beyond locking products away. Instead, they validate customers in real time and only allow access to products once age and identity are verified. 

Key benefits include: 

• ID-verified access – Customers must scan a government-issued ID to access restricted products. 

• Theft prevention at the source – No anonymous access to high-value or age-gated products. 

• Data and insights – Retailers can track access events, identify repeat offenders, and spot suspicious behavior. 

• Compliance built-in – Ensures sales of alcohol, cannabis, and tobacco meet regulatory standards. 

• Better customer experience – Customers shop independently without waiting for staff to unlock cases. 

Instead of reacting to theft, access control prevents it. 

Why Retailers Are Switching 

Large retailers in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. are rapidly adopting access control solutions. For example: 

• Convenience stores reduce shrink by eliminating “grab-and-go” theft from coolers. 

• Liquor stores lower insurance premiums by proving proactive theft prevention. 

• Cannabis retailers stay compliant while reducing staff burden. 

The results? Lower theft, higher profits, and safer environments for employees and customers alike. 

Learn more about how Patronscan partnered with a large retail chain to eliminate losses: https://www.patronscan.com/id-verification-blog/locking-down-losses-how-a-smart-partnership-curbed-liquor-theft-for-a-fuel-and-retail-chain 

Access Control vs. Lock-and-Key: The Bottom Line 

In 2025, the choice is clear: Access control is the future of retail theft prevention. 

If you’re ready to protect profits and streamline compliance, learn more about Patronscan’s access control solutions.