How To Improve Retail Security

December 27th, 2022



The retail business in Chico, CA can be an extremely lucrative one. This is especially true if it provides products that customers want and are actively looking for, along with making the right choices to attract those customers, such as having the right storefront.

But the challenge to any retail business in Chico, CA is to provide an excellent customer experience. You want customers to return while at the same fighting against one of the most significant losses in retail, the risk of theft. Here are a few of the ways that your retail environment can be more secure and fight to shoplift.

Mirror Placement

It’s an old tactic but one that is low maintenance, low cost, and extremely useful for observant employees. Before security cameras, there were mirrors, allowing staff to see areas of the store that were blocked off from conventional vision. 

If a potential shoplifter knows that mirrors are in place and people are watching, this tends to discourage stealing. However, this does require a bit more attentiveness on the part of the staff.

Security Cameras

The upgrade from mirrors is, of course, modern security camera systems. Today’s systems are smaller, potentially wireless, easy to install, and if you’re willing to pay for it, capture images in high-quality ultra HD color. This means sharp, detailed images, and all of these camera views can be wired to a single monitor or computer.

Cameras are a very effective deterrent because not only do they provide the same coverage as mirrors because they are recording, they are also evidence. Camera footage can be handed over to police to aid an investigation, and if an arrest is made can be used in prosecution, so it’s an effective deterrent.

Monitoring Employees

Unfortunately, sometimes security measures need to be taken to prevent employee theft. Cameras positioned at the point of sale, or access control systems in the inventory room are two ways to reduce the possibility of employees stealing from you.

A camera on the point of sale also allows you to monitor employee-customer relations. You can see whether or not there is room for improvement in the ways your employees interact with and help your customers.

Door Signals

This is both a good way to remain alert to the possibility of theft as well as a simple way to be attentive to customer needs. Door signals are very cheap and should be in any retail environment, alerting staff to when someone has entered the store.

This way, if it’s a customer that needs help, staff immediately know that there is someone to serve, making for a better customer service experience. On the other hand, if someone was hoping to enter the premises unnoticed to steal, the door signal alerts staff to the presence of someone in the store, and they should stay alert, especially if that person doesn’t want help, tries to stay out of visual range, and tries to hide their actions.

If you have a retail business here in Chico, CA and you want it to be safer, contact us. We can help evaluate your security situation and find ways to improve it.

What Our Customers Say

"I had the Alibi system installed several years ago. It has functioned flawlessly. The image quality is exellent both night and day and in all weather conditions. I particularly like the replay (which can be set at various speeds) and zoom functions of the system. Tech support from Crimefreeliving has been excellent. I have received quick responses to questions, and timely home visits — as when I changed IP carriers and my Alibi system needed to be reset. I have recommended Crimefreeliving to several friends."

Rich

"As a small business owner here in Chico we definitely saw the need for video surveillance. After expressing our needs and concerns Tim did an excellent job getting us set up with the set up with the appropriate equipment. He really took the time to address our concerns in a very friendly, professional and knowledgeable manner. I highly recommend Tim for all of your business and residential video surveillance needs."

Ron H., Owner/Auto Doctor

"I have to say I love having my security cameras at my home. Tim Truby did a wonderful job of installing the five cameras. He is very neat and cleaned everything up after the installation. He explained to me how to operate the monitor, my phone and IPad. However, I have had to call Tim because I'm not tech savvy and forget what he has told me. He usually just helps me over the phone and then all is well. I'm 80 years old and enjoy the comfort of knowing I have these security cameras."

Gloria

"Tim Truby designed and installed a 32 camera system for us here at the Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District. We had received several other quotes from security system vendors, but Tim’s quote was the least expensive. Tim also installed the system quickly and has always been available when we needed him. We are very happy with our security camera system and we can highly recommend Tim Truby for all of your surveillance system needs."

D. Weseman, Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District

Crime Free Living updated our old video system with a new 16 Channel HD Alibi Video Security System. The old system had been added onto by different installers which resulted in a cabling mess. There were cables that worked and cables that went nowhere. It was a mess. Tim sorted it all out and installed cameras that are very clear. He also installed a monitor for our cashiers to watch hidden areas, a monitor to watch the entry door, and a monitor that allows employees to watch the outside parking and gas pump area. All work was done on time and very professional! Will always recommend Tim and Crime Free Living.

S. AM PM Chico Arco Station

"I had Tim install an Alibi Video Security System at my residence and a couple business locations. The remote view option is invaluable to absentee owners or anyone who travels a lot. The clarity and quality of the cameras have allowed for viewing employee theft. The evidence provided from the HD video cameras was fantastic! Tim was professional and provided extra value from his law enforcement background."

J. Folsom Arco Station

"Tim, I want to thank you again for doing such a fantastic job on installing a wireless IP security camera system at our dream home. The extra time that you took to hide wires, and install a clean, professional system is much appreciated. I still can’t believe the clarity, quality, and ease of use of this new system. I wished that I would have met you before our original inferior system was installed by another company. Now, whether I am at home, or monitoring the system from around the world, I know that my home and family are safe and sound."

John M.

"In April of 2017, my husband and I made a phone call to Crime Free Living that turned out to be a smart and wise decision. Amazingly, in just a few hours, Tim installed four Dome Security Cameras, weatherproof enclosures, and hooked up into our home a 23" Full HD Widescreen Security Monitor. Even more than his professional expertise was the time spent with us in making sure that this system was working correctly and properly installed on our phones so that anywhere in our travels we can monitor our new home in Magalia."

Tieka and Don S.

"I have been using Crime Free Living for the last couple years ar work and at home and I really recommend this product. Tim is a very good service provider. If he can't figure it out, he's got good tech support with the system that he offers."

Gary D.

"I have known Tim for over 10 years. To date, Time with Crime Free Living has installed two separate surveillance systems for my company. With each system, Tim has listened to my needs and custom dsigned surveillance systems for my specific needs and within my budget. The equipment used is always state of the art, the workmanship is top notch, and Tim is the example of trustworthy. I would recommend him for any job."

Steve D., Down Range Indoor Training Center

images Certifications & Training

With 16 years of experience in law enforcement, Tim Truby, CEO, is fully certified in video surveillance and training.

  • Certified Advanced Crime Prevention Specialist
  • Academy Instructor Certification
  • California POST Certification in Specialized Surveillance Equipment
  • California POST Certification in Basic Crime Prevention
    • Advanced Crime Prevention through Environmental Design
    • Certified Alibi Security Dealer
    • Enhanced Risk and Threat Assessment (FEMA)
    • Incident Command System (100 & 200)
    • Certified Cognitech Video Forensic Investigator
    • Neighborhood Watch Toolkit Trainer
    • Computer Crimes/Investigations
    • Domestic Crisis for Crisis Negotiators
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