Although these photos look funny they got me thinking about the role of cameras in security.
CCTV cameras are tools. And like all tools, they can be used either poorly or be used well. Using tools well has always meant automating what can be reliably done so that human workers can focus on the tasks that require critical thinking or a physical presence.
Security is one industry when tools can be a great addition if used well. But ultimately, they do have to be used. By a person.
Cameras, radios, and alarms can be great assets to your security, but there needs to be someone behind the camera, someone ready to respond to the radio, and someone to respond to an alarm.
A person who has the ability to physically walk through your store or building and stop thefts or even rude teenagers from making out in the hallway.
But some owners might think it doesn’t matter cameras are there to scare away shoplifters and maybe catch someone in the act for the police later.
They may not know the cost of shoplifting.
In 2018, shoplifting cost more than 50 billion dollars. The average shoplifter stole 50$ worth of inventory in the US.
Shoplifting is more than just the soap opera teenager we see in TV and movies stealing a new jacket and getting caught in some dingy office.
Shoplifting is a good number of people’s full-time jobs.
This happens in America. If you live in a big enough city it’s probably happened close to where you and your family lives.
We have organized crime that has robbers walking out of a store after stealing thousands of dollars. Some are smart and sneaky who might set up distractions and have a few high ticket items. Some might just grab whatever they can. Then there are ‘gang’ thefts that could include armed robbery and customer intimidation.
They aren’t dumb about it either. Even amateur shoplifters can make their movements small enough a camera won’t notice. Shoplifters like that are best caught by employees or vigilant guards who know what to look for.
Behaviours like:
– Waiting around or watching the exits
– Moving quickly between product categories
– Staying in dressing rooms for long periods
– Carrying large bags or wearing baggy clothes despite weather conditions
– Non-typical customer than you serve
All of our guards are trained to recognize signs like these and can stop thefts in progress which helps not just your store but the whole retail community. Your loyal customers will also suffer as shoplifting costs are generally reflected in increased prices for all customers.
– Stopping shoplifting when it happens is the only way to prevent repeat thefts.
– Lower costs prices you have to pay as a consumer when you need something
– Sets a precedent to warn away other shoplifters including organized members
– Boosts your store’s reputation to have no crime so customers feel safe
It isn’t just financial cost but the future of your business too
Your tech needs to be useful and if you aren’t catching shoplifters in the act either through cameras or in-person you’re inviting more theft. At some point, you’re going to feel it but by then don’t let it be too late.
Technology doesn’t just need a human to work effectively but it is also can malfunction
Cameras can be repositioned by annoyed workers or people fooling around. They can have cut wires or covered lenses. Or the power can shut off. Literally.
Power outages do turn off CCTV security cameras. They can keep running on battery but the range is only a few hours at best. The best solution is to have a generator that will keep all your tech going, but operating and maintaining a fully capable generator can be too much of an expense for tech that can’t actually help solve any potential problems.
It would be a better investment to get a brain behind the tech so even in emergencies or malfunctions, your business is still protected. You can read more about why smart security is needed as thieves get smarter too.