How do you use video surveillance correctly in a grocery shop?

For retailers, curbing theft in their shops is a crucial challenge. This is because the loss of goods, which is mostly caused by theft, costs companies a lot of money: over 7 billion a year in France. Faced with this situation, many shops such as department stores, pharmacies, clothing shops and supermarkets are opting to equip themselves with video surveillance systems.

Video surveillance to improve the security system

A security guard alone is no longer enough to protect against shoplifting. Video surveillance has established itself as the most effective solution for protecting goods and people. Thanks to their deterrent effect, surveillance cameras keep some potential thieves at bay. Provided they are used correctly and all employees are involved in their use.

Optimise your facilities

Start by reviewing the layout of your shop. Keep aisles clear and avoid hidden corners to improve visibility for you and your cameras.
Place the most frequently stolen items in the checkout area. Also think about anti-theft devices for sensitive foodstuffs such as alcohol bottles or confectionery. These foods are very vulnerable to theft.
Use signs to explicitly indicate that the shop is under video surveillance. The knowledge that you are being filmed can have a deterrent effect on potential thieves.

Do you not yet have a surveillance system or would you like to retrofit one? Contact an authorised and recognised specialist. They will be able to advise you according to your needs, expectations and budget. Remember that high-resolution surveillance cameras are an excellent investment. Favour systems with a video recorder. This allows you to view the images again if necessary.

Cameras should be installed in strategic locations: checkouts, main aisles and potential risk areas. Determine the location from which you have the widest view of the area. Avoid blind spots, place the equipment at the right height and take care to avoid backlighting and reflections.
As with any hardware, you should remember to check your video surveillance system and/or have it checked to ensure it is working properly. Updates are required for some hardware. Failure to do so may result in a loss of image resolution, which can have a significant impact when identifying a suspected thief, for example.

Staff training

In order to optimise video surveillance, shop staff must be trained. Do your security staff carry out bag checks and visual inspections? Go one step further by implementing clear security procedures and regularly training staff on how to use the CCTV system: How does it work? Where are the security cameras located? What is everyone's role in this facility? How do you respond to theft or suspicious behaviour and how do you report such situations? This is a great way to raise awareness of the dangers of theft, but also to prepare your teams for risk situations. In this way, you can increase the level of security in your business and turn employees into actors.

Offer your employees regular training to keep their knowledge up to date. As theft techniques and types of thieves change rapidly, it is important that everyone is aware of new trends.

What licenses are required to install CCTV in retail stores in the US?

Considering adding CCTV to your retail store but unsure about the legal requirements? In the US, the installation of CCTV systems often requires adherence to both state and local regulations. While there's no one-size-fits-all answer due to varying laws across jurisdictions, here’s a general guide to get you started.

Typically, businesses don't need a special license to install CCTV for general security purposes in privately owned spaces like shops, malls, cinemas, and banks. However, it's crucial to ensure your system complies with privacy laws and regulations regarding data protection and public surveillance.

In many cases, you’ll need to:

• Inform your customers and employees about the surveillance through visible signage.
• Ensure cameras are placed in areas where individuals have a reduced expectation of privacy (e.g., not in restrooms or locker rooms).
• Possibly register your system with local law enforcement, depending on local laws.

For a more detailed look at the authorization process for installing video surveillance systems in the US, check out our article: authorisations for the installation of video surveillance systems in the US.

It's also wise to consult with legal counsel or your local police department to understand the specific requirements in your area. Failing to comply with local laws can result in fines, legal penalties, and the potential for required removal of the CCTV system.

Remember, while CCTV can be a powerful tool for security and loss prevention, its use must balance with respect for individual privacy rights. Always aim to use surveillance technology responsibly and in accordance with the law.

Intelligent video surveillance for shops

Recently, the video surveillance industry has acquired a powerful tool to reduce the risk of theft: artificial intelligence. Intelligent video surveillance for shops is a real reinforcement of existing systems and makes it possible to detect suspicious behaviour in real time. An ideal solution, as the typical profile of a thief is constantly changing and therefore increasingly difficult to establish. As the Veesion solution relies on the cameras already installed as well as the anti-theft devices and detector portals, theft gestures can be recognised automatically thanks to the existing camera fleet. A state-of-the-art solution that offers constant surveillance and absolute peace of mind.

This innovation complies with the General Data Protection Regulation(GDPR) as only people's gestures are analysed. This software cannot therefore be labelled as a biometric system as it does not allow people to be identified. Want to learn more about intelligent video surveillance? Get in touch with us today!