The total cost of retail crime in the UK was £3,863m in 2008, with over £1,595m lost due to customer theft. On a daily basis retailers have to face-up to the threat of shoplifting, attacks on employees and staff theft, so it is worth taking the time to consider the security options available. Glenn Davies, video business product manager at ADI Global Distribution, offers advice on installing effective and efficient security systems.
CCTV for Safety, Security and Covert Surveillance
In the fight to reduce crime and vandalism, the latest digital CCTV solutions are now being installed in retail units to enhance safety and security as well as protect valuable stock.
When it comes to CCTV cameras for use in a retail setting, it is the aesthetically pleasing and flexible dome cameras that have really made their mark. The domes successfully blend into environments to covertly track offenders. With the individuals not necessarily aware that they are being monitored, control of the situation is placed back in the hands of the retailer, who can choose the most appropriate moment to intervene.
Fighting Shrinkage at the Till
Historically, actions by dishonest staff such as bogus refunds on sales, under-rings and other forms of register theft have been notoriously difficult to catch. Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) can now be utilised as part of the retail security arsenal offering the potential for each cash register transaction to be associated with relevant CCTV footage in an event log. By tracking what is actually happening at individual registers and the ability for matching images to key inputs such as ‘void’ or ‘refund’, retailers can effectively combat internal crime.
Data Protection
Since October 2001 it has been a criminal offence to use an unregistered CCTV system to record people in a public or private place unless it meets certain criteria. The introduction of the Data Protection Act (DPA) and other legislation is designed to build and maintain public confidence in CCTV systems to ensure they operate within the law. The law states that if an individual is captured by a CCTV camera, the footage is their personal information and subject to DPA regulation.
The key issues regarding the DPA and CCTV operation fall into four distinct areas:
1. Legitimate basis for processing images i.e. a valid reason to have CCTV in operation
2. Systems operation being notified/registered with the Data Protection Commissioner
3. Signage being appropriately placed on entering a ‘gated’ CCTV area
4. Systems being overt (a system without signs = a covert system)
Companies risk having CCTV evidence deemed inadmissible under the law if the imagery used doesn’t comply with the use the system was originally registered for. At ADI, we offer courses for installers to ensure they are aware of the DPA and are able to advise customers about the legalities of using a CCTV system – procedural items are a relatively small investment, but not investing has a far higher consequence.
Remote Monitoring
With the increased availability of broadband internet, and the ever improving technology available through mobile phones, remote monitoring is now a very real and, more importantly, affordable option for retailers.
By incorporating a scaleable IP network based solution into a security system, IP based remote monitoring can be introduced to offer significant advantages. A wide range of network based video product solutions are available today, which allow images (and the control of those images) to be viewed and monitored anywhere in the world.
Retailers have the option to view real time live images via broadband internet, phone line and even mobile network applications. Mobile monitoring is simpler than many might think. If the internet, email or a mobile phone can be accessed, real time CCTV images can be watched quickly, simply and cost effectively.
Retail Realities
Ultimately, when it comes to retail security and reducing crime, it is a question of having the right systems in place to avoid alienating customer and staff, while deterring costly crimes.
