Posts Tagged ‘security systems’

Friday Featured Product: Security Cameras

 Friday, July 24th, 2009

When you suspect an employee of stealing, sometimes it can be hard to gather enough evidence to fire or prosecute them. Stopping theft before it starts is always the ideal situation, but what do you do when you know it is occurring? Speculating and firing someone without proof could be unfounded and you could potentially lose a good employee. Sometimes you need to install security cameras in order to stop a thief in their tracks.

Sometimes employees just need a little reminder that you can always be watching. If you just want cameras as a reminder to be honest, you can install simulated security cameras. These cameras look exactly like functioning security cameras, they just don’t actually record. Many of these models even have function blinking red light. They even can work off of standard AA batteries so you do not need wiring. Simulated cameras come in a variety of models including dome cameras, mini cameras and weather resistant outdoor cameras.

If you need a working system, new cameras work off a DVR system, allowing you to keep footage electronically. You can automatically set these systems to record at certain times. They can be backed up on USB and connect to any computer. Plus you can even monitor the footage from any smart phone, allowing you to literally be in your store at any time.

Hopefully you will never need to use this footage. But just in case, having a surveillance system will help keep your store safe and may help reduce theft.

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Friday Featured Product: Security Systems

 Friday, July 17th, 2009

The presence of security devices in a retail store is proven to help prevent thefts. Security devices such as mirrors and anti theft door security systems will help keep your merchandise from walking out the front door.

You want things to fly off your shelves. But those items need to stop at the register instead of going straight into a purse or backpack. By installing certain items that increase the presence of security devices, you can keeps theft at bay. And you don’t need to break the bank.

Security mirrors placed in corners and around high priced items will allow you to see these areas from the counter area and will make customers aware that you are watching them. Security mirrors are fairly inexpensive and have no carrying costs, so we would recommend that almost every store use these.

Another way to protect your merchandise is through anti theft door systems. These sensors detect when items are removed from a store when the accompanying tag on an item has not been removed or deactivated by a sales associate.

Door sensors are extremely effective, but for some stores they may be cost prohibitive. There are alternatives such as simulated door sensors and tags. These faux sensors appear to function exactly like the real version, so they have the same theft deterrent value as the real thing. However, if someone is courageous and still walks out the front door, it will not activate the alarm.

Small items such as simulated door sensors and corner mirrors will help keep theft in check and keep you from losing merchandise.

What security products does your store use?

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Tuesday Tip: Customer Theft Protection

 Tuesday, July 14th, 2009

Small or large, sticky fingers are a problem that plagues the retail industry. From children making off with a candy bar to experienced pros who make a living off stealing merchandise, you need to take precautions to make sure your store and your merchandise is protected.

Last year loss rates rose to account for more than $36 billion. A survey conducted by the University of Florida estimated that loss represented 1.44% of all retail sales in 2008. And experts are pointing to even higher numbers for 2009 as a result of the recession. And the scariest number in this survey is that 44% of loss is estimated to be employee theft.

Because this is such a large topic, we are going to devout two weeks to security and loss prevention. This week, the focus is on customer oriented theft.

An easy way to keep theft down is to make your presence known in the store. By wandering around your store occasionally and asking every customer if they need help, potential thieves are more aware that you are watching and will be less likely to take things.

Other tips include:

  • Keep small or easily stolen items near the counter area.
  • Use glass display cases to secure valuable items.
  • Install security mirrors in the corners of your store so that you can see all areas of your store.
  • Utilize anti theft door system with security tags for your merchandise.
  • Consider using security cameras, whether they actually function or are just simulated cameras.
  • Post signs about your store’s theft policy.

The key to successfully stopping theft in your store is to proactively take steps to keep crime down. Keep your eyes open, check large bags in the front of the store and call the authorities if you suspect someone is breaking the law.

How does your store keep theft from occurring?

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