Retail Sector Security Solutions

Perimeter

Securing your site starts at the perimeter to ensure any threats are deterred or prevented from entering. This can be done through physical barriers to entry that require access control credentials to pass through, motion detectors, and security lighting. As well as this technology, such as curtain PIR detectors, some of which can trigger CCTV devices when an intrusion occurs, to provide an image of the activity. A combination of video surveillance, access control, and intruder systems all working together to protect businesses from the edge of their property to the centre.

Stock Room / Staff Only Areas

In areas that will be used mainly by staff or where stock may be stored, an access control panel can be installed with various access methods (keypads, cards, biometrics, etc.) to ensure personnel and products are protected. Some access control credentials will also record when people enter and exit to monitor attendance and timekeeping. In conjunction with CCTV to monitor hazards and injuries, and to record incidents, intruder products like window/door contacts, motion detectors for the shop floor, and communicators help prevent an intruder from accessing a property and alert a member of staff or security if they gain entry. 

Delivery Area

In delivery areas, an access control panel can be installed with various access methods (keypads, cards, biometrics, etc.) to ensure products are protected. In conjunction with CCTV to monitor hazards, injuries, and record incidents, intruder products like window/door contacts, motion detectors for the shop floor, and communicators all work to prevent an intruder from accessing a property, and alert a member of staff or security if they gain entry. 

Aisles

Down aisles, fish-eye lenses can be used to get a better perspective on shoppers, potential blockages and hazards, and to ensure all areas are covered in any necessary recordings. Public viewing monitors (PVMs) can be used to advertise discounts, or for self-scanning on fruit & veg aisles to process weighing, while also deterring potential thieves as they'll be aware they're being filmed. CCTV in aisles can also help workers determine whether high-value items are under threat and whether shelves need refilling. 

Check Outs

In checkout areas, staff members may benefit from panic buttons for emergencies; CCTV could be used to monitor queues and the need for additional checkout openings; and public address systems could be used to call management, security, or other members of staff. The self-checkouts may benefit from the use of Public Viewing Monitors (PVMs) to deter potential thieves, body-worn cameras for staff to enhance their safety, and utilising PVMs with cameras to verify age from the video image for unmanned self-checkouts remotely. 

Management Information

Away from the shop floor, where offices are used by administrative staff and potential security personnel, an access control solution can ensure that offices containing confidential information, or security systems and data, are secured. Video walls and professional AV solutions can be installed alongside a PC and servers to ensure that all security systems are managed on-site. Or if there isn't a need for on-site security, a remote Video Management Solution (VMS) can be put in place, alongside mobile video monitoring via websites, or Apps. Video analytics built into some CCTV solutions, or that can be added, can assist in monitoring customer flow through a shop, queue management at tills, and overstayed parking in car parks using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR).

Entrance

At the store entrance, CCTV analytics can be used to count people and identify demographics. Public Viewing Monitors (PVMs) can be used to show customers they are on CCTV throughout the store and to showcase advertisements, discounts, and other images. CCTV footage could be used to get clear images of those entering the shop, which could support any future case against potential thieves. Smoke detectors should be fitted throughout to ensure customers and staff are aware when they need to exit the property. 

Exit

At the store exit, CCTV analytics can be used to count people, identify how long customers spent in the store, and identify demographics. Public Viewing Monitors (PVMs) can be used to show customers they are on CCTV as they leave the store, to disuade those who may steal goods, thus protecting profits. If guards are positioned at the store exit, they may be able to utilise body-worn cameras to protect themselves and obtain footage that could support any case. This will then act as a deterrent to future thieves and protect products, personnel, and profits. Smoke detectors should be fitted throughout to ensure customers and staff are aware when they need to exit the property, and where the emergency exits are located.

Car Parks

Car parks of various sizes may have different requirements: multi-storeys may require emergency lighting, while large outdoor car parks may require poles to mount cameras higher, along with brackets to mount them, and those with a need for higher security could utilise barrier arms. Many products could assist in car parks, from high-definition surveillance cameras to capture clear images of any intruders and those with Advanced Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), to public address systems to share relevant announcements, and various brackets, poles, and mounts to get all the perspectives you need. Emergency lighting can help ensure safety while walking through any indoor or multi-storey car park. And AI analytics means surveillance can be used to assess traffic flow and monitor queues, determine how close the car park is to capacity, and track threats in real time, especially with remote video management solutions. 

• Put up a clear sign informing people that CCTV is in operation and explaining the reason for its use.
• Be ready, in most cases, to provide copies of recordings within one month if someone asks for their images.
• Share recordings with authorities, such as the Police, if they request them.
• Only keep footage for as long as it is needed for your business purposes.
• Pay a data protection fee.
• You generally cannot charge people for giving them a copy of their images.

Here is some guidance from the ICO on how to use CCTV cameras and store images, and a checklist to help you assess your CCTV system.