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Video Surveillance
for Retail Stores and Shops
Retail stores
are the perfect candidate for video surveillance, because they are easy targets
for theft and robbery. A smartly installed video surveillance system makes it
easy to protect your customers, merchandise and profits from theft and vandalism.
Advantages of
Store Surveillance
- Prevent
theft – Prominently placed security cameras can help deter potential
thieves and identify those who do steal.
- Improve
image – The presence of a security system shows your customers that
you care about their security and can improve their shopping experience.
- Remote
monitoring – The addition of an NVR (network video recorder) to a
surveillance system allows you to broadcast your footage over the internet.
This allows you to monitor any of your cameras at any time – perfect for large
“big box” stores, stores with multiple locations, or franchises.
- Easy
to install – Security systems with IP (Internet Protocol) cameras
take minutes to install – just mount the cameras.
Risks of Video
Surveillance in Shops and Markets
- Privacy
– protect the privacy of your employees and customers by keeping
security cameras in public areas like the sales floor and customer service
desk and out of bathrooms and employee break rooms.
- Disruptions
– Power surges or outages can cause damage or disruptions in your
video surveillance footage. Although these risks are rare, it's important
to have an alternate security system in place should they occur in your store.
- Theft
and vandalism – Cameras are becoming an appealing target for thieves
who see their cost as an opportunity to make more money from the robbery or
who want to help disguise their identities. Stolen cameras can damage your
system and leave certain areas of your store vulnerable to further robbery.
Configuration
of Security Cameras in Retail Shops and Discount Stores
Video surveillance
solutions for retail stores are dependent on may different factors. Consider
each of the following when purchasing and installing your security cameras:
- What do you
see as your biggest security threat?
- Is there anything
you wish you could have caught on camera in the past year?
- What kind of
merchandise do you sell (e.g. groceries, clothing, jewelry, sporting goods)
- More expensive
merchandise is more likely to be stolen
- How is your
merchandise arranged?
- Where have
you had the worst theft problems in the past year?
- Do you feel
that your neighborhood and surroundings contribute to your overall security?
Setup Advice
for Retail Stores
- Place cameras
near entrances and exits in order to get
a clear shot of each person who enters your store.
- Surveillance
cameras in stock rooms and storage areas
can help you prevent employee theft and track your merchandise.
- Small areas
where valuable merchandise (e.g. jewelry, electronics) is
stored may benefit from a fixed camera
- If your retail
store has multiple locations, consider using an NVR (network
video recorder) to manage your security footage. NVRs record video like other
digital video recorders (DVRs), and they also enable you to broadcast your
security footage over the internet and check footage from any of your locations
at any time.
- To maximize
coverage of your sales floor, consider using different combinations
of cameras to get the best view. Dome cameras mounted on the ceiling can give
complete coverage of aisles, and a camera mounted above a cash register can
give a better view of a shelf of electronics.
- Outdoor cameras
in your parking lot can help reduce theft of customer cars,
shopping carts, and help to reduce store liability for accidents.
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