| Retail loss prevention is vital to the success of | | | | Be sure to place your security camera or |
| your retail business. Shoplifters cause retailers | | | | cameras in areas of your retail store that will get |
| billions of dollars in retail losses each year. | | | | the most effective coverage of the area. A |
| Employee theft is an equally insidious contributor | | | | security system that monitors only a small area |
| to losses in inventory or cash. Robbery and | | | | of your space is not very effective. Don't place |
| vandalism can cause serious financial damage to | | | | cameras in vulnerable locations, such as within |
| your business. | | | | easy reach, where they could be tampered with. |
| There are numerous ways to protect your | | | | Decide whether you'd be better served by a |
| inventory and ensure the success of your | | | | hidden camera system or a visible system. While |
| business. Be thorough in your hiring practices. Be | | | | hidden camera systems may more readily catch |
| sure your employees are aware of any loss | | | | unsuspecting thieves in the act, a highly visible |
| prevention measures you employ at your | | | | security system may serve as a deterrent to |
| business. Be alert in your environment. Learn to | | | | theft altogether. You should also decide, based on |
| spot the signs of potential shoplifters. Are | | | | the size of your retail business, whether a single |
| customers spending too much time browsing? | | | | camera would provide all the security you need, |
| Utilize strategically placed mirrors in difficult-to-see | | | | or whether a multi-camera system would be |
| areas of your retail business. Security tags, | | | | appropriate. Larger businesses would probably not |
| combined with security gates, can help some | | | | be served well with single-camera systems, and |
| businesses keep track of their inventory as well. | | | | vice versa. |
| Most small businesses lack the financial means to | | | | Advancing technologies make it even easier to |
| hire a professional dedicated to retail loss | | | | monitor your business and prevent losses due to |
| prevention. One alternative, and one of the most | | | | crime. Old, familiar videotape security systems, |
| effective methods of loss prevention, is modern | | | | while still available, are becoming obsolete and are |
| security technology, which can significantly reduce | | | | being replaced by systems utilizing digital recording |
| the losses your business will suffer if you are the | | | | devices, providing a much higher level of quality. |
| victim of a crime. A Closed Circuit Television | | | | Updated security systems even have the |
| (CCTV) system is one method of retail loss | | | | capability to send signals directly to a computer. |
| prevention that can, at best, completely deter | | | | Cameras, monitors, and VCRs or digital recording |
| theft of your retail property and, at least, | | | | devices can be combined to provide a high level |
| document a crime and help police to apprehend | | | | of protection against retail loss. There are |
| the criminals and recover your goods if your | | | | numerous details to consider as you plan for your |
| business is targeted. | | | | personalized security system. Most suppliers of |
| CCTV systems work by sending a signal to a set | | | | security equipment not only provide the security |
| of monitors or recording devices. Some security | | | | systems, but also offer installation of your new |
| systems provide live, real-time surveillance that | | | | system and consulting services for getting the |
| can be actively monitored throughout the day. | | | | most out of your investment. Experts can help |
| Other systems can record the activities in your | | | | you analyze your needs and create an effective |
| retail location for use on an as-needed basis. You | | | | security system for maximum retail loss |
| must determine what kind of system would best | | | | prevention. |
| fit your retail loss prevention needs. | | | | |