Video surveillance is one of the most widely used technologies on earth, and according to Statista, the video surveillance industry is expected to generate nearly $24 billion in revenue worldwide in 2018. However, while it is such a common technology, many businesses and retail locations say they aren’t getting the most out of their surveillance systems. Why is this? One major culprit is poor camera placement. Just because a camera is present doesn’t mean it will capture the video you need.
Every storefront is different in terms of its size and merchandise layout, and it’s extremely important to have a unique camera placement strategy for your business. Placing security cameras near high-traffic and unguarded areas within your store will help reduce the number of retail crimes. Also, properly installed retail security systems ensure that shoplifting and employee theft will be recorded on camera.
Supreme’s roots are in offering surveillance to protect retailers; the modern security industry is oriented around offering the latest in technology and cameras. In 1929 when we started our business, this was accomplished by having our personnel walk the streets of Newark, NJ, in the evening to ensure that retailer clients’ doors were locked and all was secure. While Supreme has embraced the latest security technology of each era over three generations, we have adopted it only after proving its efficacy as the best solution for our customers.
Below we have listed the five most important places to install video surveillance cameras around your retail business.
1. Entrances and Exits
It’s important to mount your retail security cameras directly above or near your store’s entrances and exits so that you can monitor the flow of customers and employees. This way you can have a clear view of each person coming in and out of your storefront. With a professionally installed retail security system, you can save evidence if needed. You should establish an entry and exit policy with employees to ensure that everyone’s entry and exit is documented on camera.
2. Cash Register
The cash register should be monitored at all times. The ideal location for a security camera is behind the cashier on the wall, mounted high enough to be out of reach of a criminal. This way, with the camera mounted behind the cashier, you can monitor and observe all activity taking place at the register, including transactions, refunds and money counting.
3. Sales Floor
The sales floor should always be outfitted with at least one security camera. Now, obviously, depending on the size your business you could need multiple cameras throughout a sales floor. The most important locations to place security cameras are poorly lit aisles or areas that are difficult for employees to see from the front of the store. Shoplifters are attracted to areas that aren’t easily visible from the cash register or areas that are poorly lit. If there is an area of your store that seems to be targeted more than others, install cameras there and improve the lighting.
4. Warehouse/Loading Dock
Warehouse security is one of the most important aspects of many commercial businesses. Companies all over the world depend on their warehouses to store valuable aspects of their business, and security problems will result in financial losses as well as lower employee morale. In a warehouse, security cameras should be placed at all employee entrances and exits as well as the loading dock area. Doing this allows a business owner to go back and check the tape if there is missing inventory.
5. Parking Lots
With the constant flow of vehicles coming in and out of parking lots, keeping tabs on the cars and people that interact with a business on a daily basis is essential. Installing a surveillance system in the parking lot substantially enhances security and safety. Parking lot surveillance can prevent vehicle theft, increase public safety, and reduce liability.