Micro Markets

USConnect granted US patent for Theft Detective technology

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September 5, 2025

USConnect, a leader in convenience services and technology, has been awarded a U.S. patent for its "Theft Detective" system, a technology designed to combat theft in self-service and unattended retail environments, according to a press release.

The newly patented system, U.S. Patent 12,406,559, combines video surveillance, transaction data analysis and behavioral scoring to automatically identify suspicious activity at self-checkout kiosks and other unattended points of sale. According to USConnect, this technology streamlines loss prevention efforts by providing real-time theft detection and reducing the manual effort required to review security footage and transaction logs.

"This innovation streamlines theft detection, cuts down on manual review and gives operators a significant competitive advantage in their unattended retail markets," Jeff Whitacre, president and CEO of USConnect, said in the release.

USConnect provides a range of workplace food and refreshment services, including micro markets, smart coolers and vending machines. The "Theft Detective" system is an advanced security solution for these self-service environments, helping businesses to quickly detect and address theft.