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Department stores are busy areas that have a lot of traffic and deal with many people. The main goal of any department store�s security system is loss prevention. The correct CCTV setup can go a long way in preventing theft and providing safety for its customers and employees.
Benefits of Surveillance Equipment at Retail Stores
Loss prevention � Theft and inventory shrinkage are among the primary concerns of most department stores and chains. Security camera systems help reduce losses by deterring crime. Any suspicious activity can be caught with the footage and then the loss prevention team can react accordingly. Reduce insurance premiums � Many retail stores and chains have to deal with accidents at their locations. With surveillance equipment, the incident can be caught on tape and then examined to see if it was a legitimate case. Incident investigation � The captured footage is the much needed proof in many cases to apprehend criminals guilty of any crimes committed on the premises. Prevent employee theft � Employee theft is unfortunately all too common in the world of retail. The presence of surveillance cameras make the employees think twice before stealing from the department store. Customer service monitoring � For department stores where service is the key to success, ensuring that the employees are treating the customers properly is essential. Through a CCTV system, employers can make sure that employees are properly treating each customer. Monitoring customer activity � Aside from the benefit of having a secured premises with video footage, security cameras can also help a business plan for the future. For example, by keeping track of customer flow patterns, a department store can add accessories to certain �busy,� areas and know at what times there is the most traffic to properly staff up on employees. Digital archiving and storage � Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) and Network Video Recorders (NVRs) allow surveillance footage to be stored digitally quickly and efficiently. Then if data needs to be retrieved, it�s easily accessible. Go here for a great list of DVRs. Digital remote management � Being able to access the surveillance cameras from a cell phone (IPhone, blackberry, android) or from a PC, is very important to most owners of department stores. Also, dome cameras (which are popular choices for department store surveillance), even have remote-controlled pan, tilt, and zoom functions (PTZ). Risks of Department Store Security Cameras
Privacy � It is widely accepted to have CCTV equipment throughout a store in open areas, the storage area, etc. However, it is considered a potential breach of privacy to install cameras in areas such as bathrooms, and fitting rooms. Loss of Data � In the event that a thief or employee tampers with a store surveillance camera, other security measures should be in place to make up for the lost signal.
Configuration of Retail Store Video Surveillance
Consider the following factors when determining what type of video surveillance system is required for a specific department store:
Has theft and shoplifting been a reoccurring problem for the store? Have there been issues with employee training, theft, etc? What are the store�s inventory shrinkage numbers? What sort of security systems and measures are currently in place at the store? Are security personnel available during all hours? Have there been instances of crime in the store's parking lot? What type of merchandise does the store carry? High-end? Small? Are the Point of Sale areas properly secured and covered? What areas of the department store are the most targeted by thieves? What are the crime rates in the local neighborhood?
Setup Tips
Place cameras at all entrances and exits to the store in order to monitor the flow of customers and capture footage of all shoppers entering and leaving. Consider using ceiling-mounted dome cameras to provide comprehensive views of the sales floor and individual aisles. Position cameras near cash registers to monitor transactions, and to protect cashiers from robbery attempts and to help prevent employee theft. Install cameras in storage rooms and supply areas to view employee activity. Use video surveillance to watch over parking lots and garages. Consider outfitting the store with cameras equipped with video analytics. Intelligent cameras use advanced software algorithms that can perceive suspicious behavior such as loitering, instances where objects are left behind, or where a significant amount of activity is taking place in a certain area. For advanced analytics,
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