A steady increase in organized retail crime has jewelry stores, boutiques and even restaurants looking for ways to strengthen security measures.
According to the National Retail Federation, 83 percent of merchants surveyed reported an increase in organized retail crime in the past year.
So while small-to-medium businesses (SMBs) grapple with how to better protect their merchandise and employees, security experts recommend thinking outside the box to increase RMR opportunities with SMB end users.
Monitoring the Last Mile
Security cameras and sensors are commonly placed to monitor high-risk areas – think expensive store displays and cash registers.
Instead of only focusing on the moment of theft, experts suggest expanding security systems to include the last mile – back gates, fire doors, roofs, outdoor storage areas, or anywhere else an intruder can enter or exit with stolen goods in hand. Many retailers don’t consider security beyond their interior, providing an ideal opportunity for security integrators to upsell exterior monitoring.
While installing outdoor cameras can be an expensive endeavor, new wireless surveillance cameras are designed to withstand the elements without the expansive install.
One solution, the Videofied Outdoor MotionViewer by Honeywell, was created as a reliable and inexpensive opportunity for business owners to monitor these potential entry points without having to run a complicated series of wires.
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This complete system is a combined service and hardware solution that relies on battery power – eliminating the need to run a power cord to each camera.
The Benefits of a Wireless, Integrated Solution
By adding outdoor security solutions to an existing surveillance system, business owners can add multi-function devices that sense, record and transmit – all in one easy installation. Instead of adding multiple outdoor devices, all-in-one solutions are the easiest way to reduce installation expenses and ensure all vulnerable entry points are monitored.
Beyond potential existing wired surveillance systems, there can be a need for a different camera to fill a security hole that happens to be too far or too expensive for a traditional, wired IP camera. And with a wireless solution, end users benefit from reduced installation costs.
Professionally Monitored for Faster Dispatch
In addition to easy-to-install hardware, professionally monitored security systems leave combating theft to the experts. Video alarms from verified devices are sent to central station for immediate review and, if needed, dispatched to law enforcement for priority response to a crime-in-progress.
By reducing time between when a sensor is triggered and the moment law enforcement arrives, business owners have a greater chance of apprehending criminals in the act – preventing the theft entirely.
Combating Organized Theft at the Last Mile
As integrators continue to look for recurring revenue opportunities to deliver greater value to customers, these solutions are no longer a one-time line item on an invoice. By increasing outdoor surveillance, business owners rest easy knowing entry points are monitored – and dealers can create new recurring revenue streams across their customer base.
Keith Jentoft is part of the integration team at Videofied – a Honeywell Security and Fire company.
