• Protect against theft: If a thief knows security cameras are in the shop, he’s less likely to commit a crime. That’s because the thief knows there will be visual evidence of anything he’s done in the shop.

• Security 24-hours a day: Security cameras can be set up to provide security footage 24 hours a day, seven days a week. That means, your shop is protected after hours, too, when robberies are more likely to occur.

• Provide protection for employees: Criminal activity is less likely to occur when someone knows they’re on camera. That, in turn, protects the employees, who could be the target of criminal behavior.

• Keep employees in line: Employees, too, are less likely to act improperly when they know they’re being watched. Security cameras can also ensure that employees provide good customer service and handle transactions properly.

• Helps with customer service: Customers will feel safer if they know the store they’re shopping in is being monitored by security cameras.

• Aides in investigations: In the event of a robbery, theft or criminal incident at the pawn shop, investigators can use the footage from the security cameras to identify the alleged suspect or suspects.

Damage to security cameras: Surveillance cameras can be tampered with, and exterior cameras are at risk of weather- or vandal-related damage. Pawn shop owners, therefore, are encourage to use vandal-proof casings for both dome and outdoor cameras.

Most pawn shops are independently owned, so the size and layout is going to be different from store to store. In an effort to get the most out of a video surveillance system, pawn shop owners should consider the following questions:

• Has there ever been any incidents of violent crime in or around the shop?

• How safe is the neighborhood where the shop is located?

• How safe is it after hours?

• Has the pawn shopped been robbed before?

• Are all employees trusted with the merchandise?

• What, if any, security measures are already in place?

• How many video cameras would it take to adequately cover the entire pawn shop?

• Does the pawn shop have many high-value items, such as jewelry or electronics?

• Does the pawn shop sell any weapons?

In an effort to provide the optimum amount of security, pawn shop owners should consider the following:

• All entrances and exits should be monitored by surveillance cameras, ensuring that anyone who enters or leaves the shop is caught on camera.

• Make sure the cash register and counter are covered by security cameras.

• Ceiling-mounted dome cameras can provide overall views of the shop.

• Exterior cameras can monitor the parking lot while also guarding against vandalism and preventing break-ins.