I’ve talked about how camera systems make me feel safe. I’ve also talked about the advancements in camera system features and how those help keep an eye on your business. With the quality improvements, we’ve seen an increase in quantity too. In December of 2023 a count of small to medium business (SMB) retailers saw a 54% increase in the installation of camera systems according to Security Magazine. “Retail security and loss prevention was analyzed in a recent report by Software Advice. Survey data reveals that 68% of small and medium businesses (SMB) retailers are experiencing shrink rates above the industry standard of 1.5%.” This is why SMB’s are now using more and more cameras in their stores.
Cameras will not 100% stop theft, but camera systems are a great visible deterrent. They also give you the evidence you’ll need to catch a thief. Recent example pulled from the national news headlines is about a CA woman who stole over $60K worth of merchandise from a Target store using their self-check out. (Debates about customers and self-scanning is a WHOLE different topic!) After over 100 visits to the same store in a years span, she was finally caught and convicted by a trial by jury. And just think, this is a large retail chain, how can SMB’s use cameras to protect their merchandise?
6 Ways Camera Systems Protect your SMB
- Visible Deterrent: Make sure cameras are visible to deter potential intruders. Knowing they’re being watched can discourage criminal activity.
- Strategic Placement: Install cameras in key areas such as entrances, exits, cash registers, and high-traffic zones. Make sure blind spots are covered to minimize vulnerabilities.
- Remote Monitoring: Opt for cameras that allow remote monitoring via smartphones or computers. This enables you to keep an eye on your business even when you’re away.
- Advanced Features: Be in the know of what features and high-quality cameras are available and what will make the most sense for your particular business.
- Backup and Storage: Set up a secure backup system for storing footage. Cloud storage or off-site backups are ideal to prevent loss of critical footage.
- Employee Awareness: Educate employees about camera locations and the importance of security protocols. This fosters a culture of vigilance and helps prevent internal theft or misconduct.
To the owners and employees of SMB, we recommend you join the majority and use camera systems to protect your business. We unfortunately live in a world with bad people. And because of this, be sure your camera system is in place for not only security, but for peace of mind.
Here at BizVox we’re excited to see how technology continues to evolve the business solutions that will work best for your business. Find out more today about Camera Systems by completing our Request A Quote form or contacting us at sales@bizvox.net or 843-628-0860. BizVox, Connecting the Charleston area with confidence.
Resources: Security Magazine — 54% of SMB retailers have installed security cameras in the past year and ABC News — Woman uses self-checkout to steal more than $60,000 of items from same Target store over a span of a year