How To Setup CCTV For Retail Outlets

Setting up a CCTV system can be a daunting task especially if you have knowledge and expertise in the area. In this case, it is advisable to hire a reputable CCTV installer to do the job for you. However, if can accomplish the task yourself, the following guide will help you choose the right CCTV system for your retail outlet.

Why do you need CCTV systems in your retail outlets?
There has been a dramatic increase in crime rates in our society. Many businesses suffer massive losses due to burglary. In this case, the CCTV cameras play a vital role in protecting your assets from theft. There are numerous advantages of installing CCTV systems in retail outlets.

In the event of a crime in your retail outlet, the CCTV camera will help the business owners to identify the face of the suspects. In this case, the images captured by CCTV will help in the investigations. Besides protecting your assets, the CCTV camera will protect your workers. Usually, the burglars are scared of breaking into premises that have CCTV systems.

Also, most CCTV systems include alarms that scare away burglars in the case of any attempt to break into your retail outlet. Moreover, the alarm will also notify the police about the presence of thieves in your property. In this case, retail outlets that do not have CCTV surveillance system are prone to burglary and theft.

Also, most CCTV systems are fitted with smoke sensors that raise alarm in the event of any fire outbreak. If the system detects fire in your property, it will alert the monitoring center and fire authorities hence your retail outlet might be saved from fire ravage. In this case, the CCTV system will have saved lives and assets in your retail outlet.

Furthermore, the insurance premium will significantly reduce if you install the CCTV cameras in your retail outlets. In this case, the insurance company will know that your retail outlet is well-secured with fewer chances of being broken into by burglars. Also, the CCTV will help disprove your liability if someone gets injured on your premises.


Things to consider when installing CCTV system in your premises
If you wish to install CCTV systems in your retail outlets, you should hire professional to install the system for you. You may need to build a system from scratch or update the existing one. Usually, the professional CCTV installer will give you the best advice about the same. As technology advances, your current system may not work as required. In this case, you will need to upgrade your system. If you want to upgrade your CCTV system, here things you should consider.

Are the cameras enough?
It is advisable to check if there are blind spots around your premises. Blind spots are areas that cannot be seen by the CCTV cameras. If there such spots in your retail outlets, you should consider placing cameras in such areas.

Do you need HD system?
Although High Definition (HD) CCTV cameras are more costly than Analogue cameras, they will provide clearer and detailed images. In this case, there are higher chances of identifying burglars who are caught breaking into your premises.

Does your system work in the night?
If your CCTV system does not function in the dark, then it is useless because most thieves like stealing in the night. There is a broad range of cameras that have night vision capability, but these cameras can vary in the image quality. Therefore, getting a right system will ensure total security in your retail outlet.

Do you want to integrate your system with other security systems?
Most people prefer to integrate alarms into their CCTV systems. The alarms will play a vital role in boosting the security of your system as it alerts you when there is an intrusion in your property. Some systems are set in such a way that it increases image resolution when the alarms trip.

Where will you store the images?
Some basic CCTV cameras store the images in the built-in memory, but other advanced systems store the images on Digital Video Recorder (DVR) or PC and allow you to monitor and save the images.

Do you need fixed or movable cameras?
Most traditional cameras are stationary and only capture images from the fixed coverage area. However, some modern cameras have the capability to move and pan across the specified area. In this case, such cameras provide more security when compared to conventional cameras.

How will you monitor the images?
You want to hire trained staff or pay the third party to monitor the images for you. This will determine the type of infrastructure you will put in place for your CCTV system.

Which CCTV Camera should you choose?
If you visit CCTV retailers, you will find it to choose the best system as there are many options available. Whether you want to install a new system or update your existing system, you will need to seek advice from experts. Here are some of the CCTV cameras that you will find on the market.

Simple black and white:
Most cameras are monochrome and provide high-quality black and white images. In most cases, people use these cameras for home security. However, you may settle for these cameras if the color will not add value to your retail outlet.

HD color:
These cameras provide high definition images that can help you to positively identify the suspects.

Infrared:
They have the capability of capturing images when the light in low. In this case, you can use these cameras to capture images in the night.

Weatherproof:
These cameras are ideal for the outdoor environment as they are more robust and not prone to harsh weather conditions.

Dome cameras:
Are covered in dome hence harder to know where the camera is pointing and meant to scare thieves away.

Fish-eye:
These cameras provide a wider angle of surveillance and are ideal if you want to use few cameras in your retail outlet.

Pan Tilt and Zoom:
They are movable hence providing a wide range of visibility.

Wireless and IP cameras:
They can be connected to the internet and accessed with wireless gadgets such smart phones.

Conclusion
In most cases, setting up a CCTV cameras for your retail outlets require the help of professional CCTV installers. However, you may install the system yourself if you have the knowledge and expertise in CCTV security systems. In this case, you should select a CCTV system that will fit your retail outlet as premises have different requirements depending on many factors. However, you should only buy CCTV cameras from reputable dealers to avoid getting low-quality images.