How can I use CCTV as a deterrent to staff theft of stock? Contact us to find out how to establish a security regime right from the start; show that security is present from the point that the staff enter the site by placing cameras and signage prominently at entrances.

Where does stock theft occur? Where high value and easily resalable portable goods are being handled by lower paid agency staff, there is a universal problem of light fingered operatives taking stock. This typically happens in areas where they are meant to be picking stock, which is obviously unavoidable, but aisles which have CCTV coverage make it a lot less likely to happen.

Manual operatives working on pick faces for electronics, fashion goods, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products are commonly found to be more at risk. Addition of video cameras can address the issue; both in terms of a strong deterrent for fear of being caught and also effectively identifying criminal activity amongst workers.

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A system where you can regularly and easily change the angle of the camera views gives management the initiative and means that staff don’t know of any weak spots in coverage. Use fisheye lens cameras with 360 degree coverage to reduce the amount of devices and cabling needed. Contact a Logisticomms design consultant to find out how to develop a surveillance system at minimal cost and that will pay for itself by reducing stock shrinkage.

Misappropriated stock is either hidden until after a stocktake (lockable changing rooms with false ceilings are hotspots for this kind of activity) then smuggled out of the premises under clothing, chancing any random search arrangements. Another common technique is to open an unguarded fire exit to avoid the usual staff door. The stolen goods are then passed to a third party or thrown outside the building perimeter for later retrieval. Installing cameras to watch all exits will help, and VideoAudit cameras with line crossing analytics can activate a notification by test / email / audible alert to warn a responsible person that a door has been opened.

What about staff who don’t like being watched? Include an agreement referring to your right as the employer to monitor the workplace in all your employment contracts. Loyal and honest staff will welcome the chance to show that they work hard. You can mention that you don’t store personal information beyond the given timescales in your GDPR policies. In some areas discreet cameras can be used to lessen the feeling of being watched. After initial negativity staff will nearly always accept new systems as part of life.