The list of businesses that can benefit from monitored video security is much more extensive than you’d think.
We’ve written extensively on this blog about many types of businesses that can benefit from surveillance systems. But we’ve really only scratched the surface. The truth is that there are many more industries out there that have a lot to lose if they leave their facilities unprotected, including banks, retail outlets, supermarkets, and gas stations.
Below, we’ll review the benefits of monitored security cameras and the wide range of businesses that should consider adopting them.
Why do I need surveillance cameras?
The short answer: because you can’t be everywhere at once, at all hours of the day or night. Security cameras function as your eyes when you aren’t there. They help keep out intruders, shed light on any security gaps you may have, protect your assets from employee theft, and provide an overall sense of safety and well-being to your workers.
Let’s dive into some specifics:
- Security cameras deter internal thieves. Employee theft is one of the most critical challenges facing small business owners today, costing up to $50 billion per year. Security cameras ensure that someone is always keeping watch on your inventory and cash. When employees know someone is watching, they’re less inclined to take a chance on getting caught.
- Security cameras discourage shoplifters. The very presence of cameras can be a major deterrent to shoplifters. And those who are brazen enough to try it anyway are likely to be caught in the act.
- Security cameras encourage productivity. Knowing that someone might be watching can make your staff think twice before slacking off or taking a long lunch break. Just be sure to comply with your state’s video surveillance laws.
- Security cameras make the workplace safer. Cameras allow you to keep an eye on conditions at your facility, make adjustments to avoid potential injuries, and get to the bottom of any incidents that occur. Camera footage can help determine when additional training or changes to the physical plant are needed. It can also be a powerful tool to prevent sexual harassment.
It’s plain to see how security cameras benefit many businesses that install them. But does your business really need them?
Which industries are the most vulnerable?
It’s easy enough to pretend that your business isn’t susceptible to robbery, vandalism, or employee misconduct. But you may be leaving yourself open to significant loss if you don’t take these threats seriously. Here are some of the most commonly targeted businesses.
- Retail outlets. Robbers like retail businesses for a number of reasons. Many are open late, have cash on hand, and employ comparatively fewer workers than other kinds of businesses. And it’s not just single perpetrators prowling the aisles – many have banded together into what’s called organized retail crime (ORC), which as of last year cost the industry upwards of $100 billion.
- Banks. It seems almost cliche to consider it, but banks are indeed still popular among thieves. They’re not as simple a score as your average retail shop, but they are far more lucrative. This is why, despite vast improvements in alarm systems and law enforcement response, banks will likely always remain a target for criminals.
- Transport sites. Our economy is almost entirely run by large trucks that bring goods and materials to every corner of the country. Over 71% of all goods, to be exact. And theft of cargo carried on these vehicles rose by 20% last year. Theft can occur when drivers leave trucks unattended at a road stop or in an unguarded freight yard.
- Warehouses. Here, the main concern is employee theft rather than burglary. Warehouses tend to be vast spaces with blind spots that can aid workers who want to make off with merchandise. And the longer employees have worked in the warehouse, the more familiar they will be with those unmonitored areas.
- Supermarkets. Similar to warehouses, supermarkets are usually big, sprawling places that are challenging to guard effectively. Plus, with so many items packed so closely together on shelves, it’s easy for thieves to swipe something unnoticed. Add in large amounts of cash passing back and forth, and you have a recipe for trouble.
- Gas stations/convenience stores. There are usually few employees at gas stations, which emboldens thieves to pick on them. The potent combination of cash, liquor, and cigarettes also makes convenience stores an irresistible target, as these items are easily resold and very difficult to track. Incidents at gas stations and convenience stores accounted for over 5% of all violent crimes in the U.S. in 2021. They also tend to be located on the margins between cities and towns, making them more obvious targets.
- Liquor stores. These retail outlets face a unique set of challenges. People who are underage can’t legally buy alcohol, so they may try and steal it. Also, people who struggle with addiction may resort to theft if they can’t afford to purchase it. And like gas stations and convenience stores, liquor stores keep late hours, employ little staff, and keep large amounts of cash on site.
- Jewelry stores. This may be one of the most obvious industries to include on this list. They carry a large variety of precious and semi-precious stones and metals that are extremely valuable on their own and have a high resale rate. Jewelry stores are far less likely to carry large amounts of cash, so thieves typically target the product. The total dollar losses from jewelry store crimes in 2021 totaled over $70 million.
- Construction sites. These temporary sites are a treasure trove of pricey equipment, valuable electronics, and stacks of raw materials like lumber and steel. Threats come from both the inside and outside, with workers feeling tempted to pocket expensive tools and burglars seeing the site as a ripe, unoccupied target at night. Heavy equipment theft in particular costs the industry nearly $1 billion annually. The transitory nature of these locations also makes it challenging to adequately staff an on-site security team.
Of course, these are just a few of the many industries targeted by criminals. In truth, there’s very little that thieves won’t steal given the chance. So what can you do about it?
How can I reduce my risk?
Even though robbery is a fact of business life, there are proactive steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of it happening to you.
- Make sure that all exterior and interior spaces around your business are well-lit.
- Reconfigure the layout of your space to eliminate blind spots.
- Post signs that warn loiterers and trespassers that there will be consequences if they’re caught.
- Keep the grounds tidy and organized. This minimizes blind spots and spaces where shady characters can hide.
- Install a monitored security camera system.
Most of these solutions don’t cost a fortune. And even if you do need to spend a little more to upgrade your surveillance capabilities, a little peace of mind can be well worth it.
Where do I start?
Businesses that sell items that are easily resold or traded, rely on cash sales, and have few employees are most at risk for burglary and theft. If this sounds like you (and even if it doesn’t), it’s time to take the initiative and upgrade your security system. Mobile Video Guard’s live monitored service is your best defense against criminal activity.
We’ll work with you to customize a solution that fits your budget and needs. Reach out today, and we’ll happily provide a free, personalized quote and consultation.
