From vintage clothing to baby keepsakes, thrift stores have a little bit of everything -- but security cameras and video surveillance may seem unnecessary. That's not the case. Like other retail stores, secondhand stores, consignment shops and thrift stores, a good security system can add a layer of protection for the customers, employees and the merchandise inside.

• Keep customers, employees safe: Bargain hunters and employees alike are less vulnerable when under the protection of security cameras. When unsavory characters know they're being watched, they're less likely to cause problems.

• Keep your property safe: Vandalism can be a problem in some areas, but carefully placed exterior security cameras makes vandalism less likely to happen. Surveillance cameras can also act as a deterrent against another common problem for charity shop and secondhand store owners: illegal dumping.

• Keep your merchandise safe: Thrift shops and consignment shops are like any retailer: they depend on the sales of their merchandise to stay in business. So whether it's an antique, family heirloom or other trinkets, a security camera will act as a theft deterrent.

Damage to security cameras: Surveillance cameras are always at risk of damage, particularly if they are located either outside the shop or inside a warehouse. To protect against this, shop owners should consider security cameras that come with vandal-proof casings for both outdoor and dome cameras.

Most secondhand stores, thrift shops and consignments stores are independently owned - and the layout of their respective stores greatly varies. Therefore, to get the most out of a surveillance system, shop owners should consider the following questions:

• Is the store susceptible to theft? If so, which area or areas are most susceptible?

• What has been the most pressing security issue at the store?

• Has robbery or theft been a problem before at the store?

• Has robbery or theft been a problem before at neighboring stores?

• How safe is the neighborhood - does it help or hurt the store's security?

• What kind of police presence is in the neighborhood?

• How safe is the shop's parking lot?

To completely cover the sales floor or high-traffic area(s), store owners should consider using a combination of pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ), dome and fixed cameras.

• All entrances and exits should be covered by security cameras.

• The cash register and main counter area should be covered by security cameras.

• Security cameras should be placed at or near display areas, especially those with valuable or expensive merchandise.

• Security cameras at or near offices can ensure that only authorized personal enter those areas.

Exterior and interior security cameras can ensure that only authorized personnel enter the warehouse.

Parking lots can be kept safer through the use of exterior cameras. This also helps prevent things like vandalism and illegal dumping.

Surveillance cameras should be placed in public areas, such as the sales floor, and out of private areas such as fitting rooms, break rooms and bathrooms.