Things To Consider When Buying Business Security Cameras

When buying security camera surveillance systems, it’s important that you understand exact what you’re getting and why you want it.

Some people have expectations for their camera surveillance systems that are simply not possible or would require a different type of system entirely. To prevent this, everyone should know what their cameras can and cannot do before deciding to buy them.

Know What You Want To Monitor – What areas of your business do you want to monitor with your security camera and how good does the quality need to be? Different cameras are good for different things and selecting the right one can make the difference between an effective system and a useless one.

Understand The Risks of Security Cameras – Security cameras provide an expectation of protection from people entering your business. That’s why fake security cameras can be a legal risk. If people expect protection but don’t get it, your business can suffer the consequences.

Let People Know You’re Monitoring Them – Part of the usefulness of security cameras is that they prevent people from committing crimes because they don’t want to be filmed. Use signs to make sure that your employees and customers are well aware of your security cameras.

Don’t Expect To Record Voices – In most areas, video recording is completely legal but recording conversations without someone’s permission is against the law. That’s why CCTV systems do not offer audio functions.

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Quick Guide For Preventing Shoplifting In Your Store

According to the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention, more than $13 billion worth of goods are stolen from retailers each year. Retailers can protect their store by enacting a few tried and true tips. We recommend store owners do the following:

• Try to understand the techniques shoplifters use to steal items
• Discuss with your employees the best practices that deter the threat of shoplifting
• Make your retail establishment a shopper-friendly experience

Shoplifters often steal merchandise out of sight in a fitting room or a part of the store where it is difficult to see them. Locking fitting room doors and arranging your store so there are clear views where no one can hide are two cost-effective ways to deter theft.

Incorporating your staff into your shoplifting prevention plan is another cost-effective solution. Employees should greet customers when they enter the store and pay attention to suspicious activity. It is less likely that someone will steal if an employee is able identify them. Providing incentives, such as bonuses or discounts, to employees also helps keep them on high alert.

Sometimes shoplifters will switch price tags on items to receive a significant discount. It is important for cashiers to be aware of the actual price of items.

While training your employees is a good first line of defense, incorporating business security solutions and a camera surveillance system adds an extra layer of security, deterring potential shoplifters. Another effective method is placing security tabs on high-priced items.

Security is important, but so is good customer service. Don’t let your shoplifting plan overwhelm you, your employees or your customers.

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Common Business Security Myths

There are a lot of myths out there about business security solutions that leave many businesses vulnerable to fraud, robberies, and even employee theft. These common myths, that may seem harmless at first, can lead to major problems that are not easily repaired.

Here are some of the most common myths:

People Only Sue Big Companies with Fraudulent Claims

We’ve all heard the stories about people suing McDonalds because their coffee is too hot, or someone claiming to have broken their neck in a major retail outlet when really they are completely fine. But what about smaller companies, are they ever really sued with fraudulent claims?

This myth makes the claim that people only sue large businesses because that’s where the money is at. Unfortunately, the reality is that small and mid-sized businesses are also regularly targeted with fraudulent claims. The worst part is that these businesses are much more vulnerable because they can’t afford expensive lawyers and a large settlement could put them out of business.

Shoplifting Only Happens In Low Income Areas

This is a common and completely untrue myth that claims that people in richer areas are much less likely to be stolen from than in poorer areas. Unfortunately, the facts show that expensive stores in fancy shopping malls are just as likely to be stricken by shoplifters as anywhere else. Additionally, since the products they sell are so much more valuable than in lower end stores, there is an added incentive to steal.

Vendors Keep Perfect Records and Are Completely Honest

Many people don’t ever consider vendors a potential source of shrinkage when looking at where they are losing money. For some reason, while businesses are quick to blame customers or even employees, the activities of the vendors are seen as beyond suspicion.

The truth is that vendor fraud is estimated to account for 5.2% of overall shrinkage. It’s important that you watch your vendors carefully to prevent theft.

People Only Steal Inventory and Cash

The reality is that there are a lot of ways that people can harm your business without actually taking something physical.

Without proper business security systems and camera surveillance systems, customers can make false injury claims, employees can “under ring” sales or not work when they should be, and vendors can make errors that hurt your bottom line. When tracking what your company is losing from theft, be sure that you can measure all of the damage, not just the physical loss.

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Increase Your Business Security with These Simple Steps

No matter what type of business you have, keeping it secure and preventing criminal activity is vital both to the safety of your employees, and to the success of your company.

• Start with a plan. Setting goals and measureable objectives helps you understand your needs and track your security progress.

• Make security a priority. Business security systems should be a top priority for any business.

• Run background checks on employees before hiring them. Running a thorough background check on your employees helps prevent employee theft and avoid problems.

• Use visible security measures. People are less likely to engage in criminal activity if they know that they are being watched.

• Use surveillance cameras in ALL important areas. Recording all activities where cash or inventory is handled via a camera surveillance system can help to identify and prosecute thieves. Be sure to always keep your cameras well maintained as you don’t get second chances to stop criminals.

• Always prosecute criminal activity. By pressing charges against any criminal activity, no matter the cause or amount stolen, you send a clear message that you do not take theft lightly.

• Check your plan regularly. Regularly check the results of your security efforts and make alterations when you find things that are not working.

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