5 Best Practices for Positioning Retail Security Cameras

Security blind spots are a universal problem, whether a retail space is large or small. Follow these steps to ensure your store is optimally covered.

Don’t be fooled by talk of a retail apocalypse. While e-commerce is certainly booming, electronic shopping only accounts for a little over 10 percent of American consumer spending. That means billions in real-world retail spending with brick-and-mortar businesses. It also means that retail stores still have plenty of visitors posing significant security risks.

 

Retailers who want to stay in business need the protection of onsite surveillance. Equipping consumer spaces with retail security cameras is critical for protecting both the merchandise and the shoppers themselves. Let’s look at the reasons why and how Unisol International can help.

How instore security cameras tackle crime

Deterring theft is the first thing anyone thinks of when imagining retail security cameras. A report from the National Retail Federation estimates that American retailers lost an estimated $46.8 billion in 2017 due to shrinkage — a costly reality in which theft plays a major role. Shoplifting was the leading cause of loss for the fourth consecutive year with the apparel sector hardest hit.

 

It’s impossible to gauge just how many potential thieves are deterred by security cameras, but it’s safe to say that more than a few have thought twice when being watched. Retail cams also let staff monitor store visitors who seem suspicious, providing an innocuous way to follow potential thieves around the store without stalking them in person.

 

Retailers should remember that thieves aren’t always outsiders. A disturbing 95 percent of workers steal from their employers in a variety of ways that cost billions of dollars a year. Their methods aren’t always easy to see. Deliberately voided transactions and overcharged customers are only two ways retail employees can pocket profits. Security cameras help catch and deter this kind of employee conduct as well as consumer bad behavior.

 

Assault, robbery and fraud (a crime that has tripled in recent years) are further risks that endanger store profits and the safety, even lives, of staff and customers. Whatever the crime, security cameras are a powerful deterrent, and they capture valuable evidence that will aid any criminal investigation — possibly leading to the apprehension and conviction of the perpetrators.  

5 best practices for positioning retail security cameras

Every retail space has its own layout which can frequently change based on sales, new products and redirecting customer flow. Regardless of floor design, here are five best practices for every store.

1. Strong retail security works from the outside to the inside. So. start with securing the entire perimeter of your store including parking spaces. The inside and outside of all entrances and exits — including those only used by staff — should be monitored to record all foot traffic.
2. Cameras should be placed at heights and angles difficult to reach from the ground. This prevents the camera from being covered or otherwise interfered with by criminals. However, placing them too high will compromise image quality, so position with care. The vulnerability of visible cameras makes it a good idea to combine them with concealed surveillance wherever possible.
3. Inside the store, security cameras should have clear sightlines to both low- and high-traffic areas. It’s a common misconception that the busiest spots are somehow more secure; human sight only goes so far. Cameras should also be positioned at every point of sale with as clear a focus as possible on transactions. This helps reduce consumer crime and account for sales. Employee dishonesty can be further reduced by placing security cameras off-floor in areas like storage spaces and stock rooms.
4. Lighting is an often-neglected necessity. Remember that even the best cameras will have little effect if pointed into dim areas or darkness. Retailers should make sure that any space where a security camera is pointed is well-lit
5. Wireless cameras require reliable connections. Many retail spaces now use wireless security cameras that must connect to a router for connectivity. Like any such device, optimal performance will depend on how close the camera is to the router and how well the store is laid out to optimize wireless performance.

How Unisol can help monitor your space

Unisol International offers a complete electronic surveillance solution, including network cameras, management software, video analytics, biometric and mobile access control, and more. Our team provides the human touch with all this technology, quickly responding to your inquiries and needs every step of the way.

 

Our in-stock products ship quickly (often same-day), and we are fully compliant with international trade regulations and regulatory issues in the electronics industry — meaning we provide our retail clients with peace of mind in every way. We handle accounts both domestically and internationally, so connect with us to optimize your retail security, no matter where you are.

 

UNISOL International is a worldwide merchandiser and leading technology solutions provider to 16 industry sectors, offering a turn-key approach with a customized, integrated, total solution concept that combines product fulfillment and a-la-carte professional services. Get in touch with us for expert advice on the technology that will suit your needs.