Given the nature of the products sold there, video surveillance is particularly important at gun shops - as is the case in any retail environment where money changes hands. Gun retailers can be a tempting target for criminals, but when in the wrong hands, the consequences can be deadly. That’s why security cameras are critical when it comes to protecting both assets and employees.

• Theft deterrent: Retailers always have to guard against theft, but the problem becomes even greater when guns enter the picture. It’s more than just money and assets that are at stake. Gun shop owners also need to make sure that stolen weapons don’t wind up in the hands of criminals. Surveillance cameras, though, can help act as a theft deterrent. If a criminal knows he’s being watched, he’s less likely to steal.

• Helps stop crime: Security cameras can help prevent crime both inside and outside of gun shops. Carefully placed exterior cameras could make a thief think twice before breaking into a gun shop. And preventing gun store thefts also make communities safer.

• Helps aid investigations: If a weapon can be traced back to a gun shop in the event of a gun related crime, surveillance footage could help investigators track down the criminal or criminals who were involved. Surveillance footage, for example, could show the alleged suspects entering the store. The same goes for in-store related crime. Investigators can use the footage to identify, and capture, the alleged suspects.

• 24/7 monitoring: A gun shop owner could continuously monitor his or her store with surveillance cameras. That goes for after hours, too, when crimes are more likely to occur. Surveillance cameras can run 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Tamper with security cameras: A gun shop would become more susceptible to crime if a criminal somehow manages to interfere with the security camera’s signal. That’s why gun shop owners should consider combining surveillance cameras with other security measures, like a burglar alarm.

Security cameras at gun shops: What to consider

Before setting up a surveillance system, gun shop owners should consider the following:

• What security measures, such as an alarm system, are already in place?

• Has either shoplifting or theft been a problem at the gun shop in the past?

• Is the store adequately protected at night?

• What are the crime statistics, both for the area where the gun shop is located, and the community?

• Has there ever been a violent incident, either inside or outside the store?

• How many security cameras would be needed to adequately protect the store?

• Cameras should be installed at all entry points in an effort to show everyone coming and going.

• Security cameras also should be installed near the area by the cash register. This allows the shop owner to monitor all activity involving money, as well as any incidents involving either a customer, gun shop employee or criminal. Cameras near the cash register can also provide footage of any problems at or near the counter.

• Surveillance cameras should be placed at or near loading areas and restricted storage rooms/areas. Doing so will help keep any unauthorized people from entering those areas or handling firearms.

• Gun shop owners should consider how many surveillance cameras would be needed, given the size of the gun shop, to provide the optimum amount of security and coverage for the entire store.