Solution Topics

Network Camera Video Surveillance for Liquor Stores

Topic: Liquor Stores

Many stores and shops can benefit from video surveillance, and liquor stores can be counted among these. As with convenience stores, liquor stores are often seen as prime targets for petty criminals. Generally small, with valuable merchandise and high customer traffic, liquor stores need to pay attention to their security measures. Using network cameras for video surveillance can be a great boon.

Benefits of Video Surveillance

Any time large amounts of money are dealt with on a regular basis, security is needed. Unfortunately, many view places such as liquor stores as little more than targets: places for them to rob. A video surveillance system can increase security in a liquor store in a number of ways.

For one thing, the mere presence of cameras may be enough to deter some criminals. Many criminals will avoid stores if they know they are going to be video taped during the process of the robbery. This can help to stop some criminal attempts on the store.

Should a crime take place, video surveillance footage can be used by investigators to aid in finding the perpetrators. Footage can also be shared with other stores in the area, or even other stores that you or your company might own, to alert them to the individual(s) responsible for the crime. This can help catch them should they show up in order to rob another location. Footage can also be analyzed afterward to find new ways to stop similar thefts from occurring in the future.

Network Cameras for Video Surveillance

The usage of network cameras for video surveillance is growing every year. Part of the reason for this is the ease of use for network cameras. Network cameras are very simple to install, simplifying the implementation process.

Because network cameras transfer video over a network rather than through coaxial cable, remote monitoring capabilities are greatly increased. Traditional CCTV cameras must be directly linked via coaxial cable between the camera and the TV or VCR doing the monitoring. Not so with network cameras: as long as the camera is plugged into a network port, any computer on the network or even on the Internet with proper authorization can view video feeds. You can check in on security video while at home or even on the go through your cell phone or PDA if need be.

With the use of an IP camera, network camera software can also be used. Advanced technologies such as video analytics and motion detection can greatly increase the power and effectiveness of your video surveillance system. These tools can be use to operate things like automatic alarms and instant alerts to your e-mail should something occur at your store.

Issues to Consider

Before setting up a network camera video surveillance in your liquor store, you should take some time and think about your needs. What sort of an area are you in? Is it a high or low crime area? How vulnerable do you think you are to crimes such as robbery?

Another thing to look into is any local or state laws which might affect your business. Oftentimes liquor stores follow different rules than normal stores, and there might be specific requirements which you need to meet in your security measures. You should look into this before installing any video surveillance system to make sure you are in compliance with all laws and rules.

For placement of cameras, the two major areas of concern are the register and the entrance. At the register is where a crime is most likely to take place, and a camera at the entrance gives you a record of everyone entering or exiting the store. You should also have full coverage of the entire store area to watch out for shoplifters.