Having a business is all fun and games until you start experiencing theft and other things that call for more security. Having security cameras, gates, and other measures in place not only helps the safety of your store and employees but also can help with daily operations and the overall customer experience. Specialty Store Services is here to help you figure out where to put security cameras in your store and what other precautions are recommended to keep your store as safe as possible. Read on for more!
Why Camera Placement Matters
Everything matters when you’re laying out your store, especially camera placement. It would be counterintuitive to have a camera put in a spot that doesn’t have a lot of foot traffic or in a blind spot. Below are spots we’ve found that are most beneficial to have a monitored eye on.
Related Article: How to Handle High-Traffic Seasons Without Sacrificing Customer Experience
Entrances and Exits
As a retailer, you want to know who goes in and out of your store at all times. That’s why having cameras at the entrance and exit is imperative. It protects not only your assets but also your employees and customers. Make sure the cameras provide a clear, wide-angle view of each doorway.
Checkout Counters and Cash Registers
It’s always important to keep an overhead eye on where the actual transactions occur. The cash register is a high-risk area for theft, making it super important to have thorough coverage here. Position cameras above or behind the register to capture transactions clearly while ensuring customer privacy is respected.
High-Value Merchandise Displays
Let’s say you sell expensive products like jewelry or limited edition shoes, this is a great place to put a security camera. Point your cameras so that customers browsing these displays are captured clearly.
Back Rooms and Storage Areas
Retailers don’t like to think about it, but a lot of times, theft can occur internally. Because of this, it’s important to think about keeping an eye on inventory with cameras in the storage or back rooms. Have these cameras in areas where inventory is stored, received, or shipped to improve overall accountability. Parking Areas
Believe it or not, parking areas are also hot spots for theft, such as break-ins or vandalism. Make sure if you do consider putting cameras in this area that they are high resolution and have night vision so you can see everything at any time of the day or night.
Legal Considerations for Camera Placement
Another thing to consider is ensuring you abide by the privacy laws in your area. There are some things like informing customers or employees through signage that are required before cameras get installed. Also, cameras should never be installed in changing rooms, restrooms, and other places to respect customers’ privacy. If you feel like there are more privacy laws to know about, it’s always a good idea to consult legal counsel just to make sure you remain compliant.
Additional Equipment for Better Store Security
The good news is that there are so many other options to better your security than just plain cameras. You can consider storefront security gates for after-hour protections or something smaller like anti-theft tags and detectors for specific pieces of merchandise. Specialty Store Services is here to offer you any and all shoplifting prevention systems, so make sure to check out our inventory!
Summary
Security cameras are essential if you run or own a retail space. Unfortunately, theft will occur, and it’s your job to prepare your store and employees as best as possible for that outcome. Tips like securing entry points to safeguarding expensive or sensitive areas increase not just security but peace of mind for employees and customers alike. Choose Specialty Store Services for your next shoplifting prevention purchase, no matter if you’re a small boutique, warehouse, or more. We can help!