Video Surveillance for Convenience Stores

Convenience stores are ideal uses for video surveillance due to their vulnerability to petty crime and robbery. A simple security camera system, smartly installed, can protect the employees, customers and assets of any sized convenience store.

Benefits of Mini Mart Surveillance

Ease of Installation – Most modern security camera systems utilize IP cameras, which can be either wired or wireless over a computer network. Unlike older analog CCTV systems, IP cameras can be installed by the user and re-configured to fit changing needs. They also allow you to broadcast footage over the internet, making it easy for you to monitor your store at any time.

Security – Many stores still rely on cashier and witness memory and height strips on exit doors. IP security cameras provide high-resolution footage that makes it easy to distinguish features of thieves.

Theft Prevention – A visible security camera network can help reduce theft, whether it is from petty thieves or employees.

Risk Factors for Convenience Store CCTV

Convenience store security cameras can be very beneficial, but it is important to remember that they are not failsafe. All security systems come with a certain amount of risk. Convenience store cameras are particularly subject to:

• Tampering – Many potential thieves will attempt to tamper with a surveillance system in order to obscure their identity during a theft.
• Outages – Disruptions or surges in power can cause outages in a surveillance system, which could result in gaps in recording or even damage.
• Privacy – Keep cameras in public areas like sales floors and stockrooms in order to maintain the privacy of your customers and employees.

Things to Consider When Configuring a Convenience Store Security System

Convenience store security camera systems can be set up in endless ways. Consider each of these aspects of your store before installing your IP camera network:

• What do you consider to be your biggest security threat?
• Have you ever wished you could have caught an incident on tape?
• Do you feel that your neighborhood contributes to your security?
• What kind of security systems do you currently have in place?
• Do you have extended or all-day hours?
  • Stores open during the “graveyard shift” (12 AM – 8 AM) may be more susceptible to robbery and other crimes.
• Have you ever had problems with robberies or employee theft?
• Can your cashier easily see all elements of the store from the cash register?

Setup Advice for Surveillance Systems in Quick Stop Stores

• Cover open spaces like your sales floor and cash register with cameras. Make sure all areas are covered, and place fixed cameras in more sensitive areas like near cash registers and restricted merchandise (e.g. alcohol, cigarettes)
• Place cameras near entrances and exits to ensure that you record everyone who enters and exits your store.
  • If you have a gas station, make sure you place fixed cameras near pumps to ensure that you capture each license plate.
• Fixed cameras near cash registers and office safes can help you monitor transactions and prevent theft.
• If you’re located in a rough neighborhood or have had problems with external vandalism in the past, place cameras around your store’s perimeter. These cameras allow your clerks to check on the outside of the building and take action should they see something that concerns them.

Article Source: http://www.videosurveillance.com/convenience-stores.asp