Because not every video surveillance system is 100% fail safe, it's necessary to take a look at some of the risks associated with having a video security system in your restaurant and coffee shop.

• Damage risk: The setup of a video security system in restaurants must be carefully planned out - heat and steam from hot beverages, busy, moving people - all put security cameras at risk for damage and inaccuracies in recording. Location of cameras must be carefully considered.

• Privacy issues: Video surveillance systems in restaurants and coffee shops belong in public areas only, such as dining areas, seating, at the counters, and in the storage rooms. Restrooms and break rooms are off limits due to privacy laws and regulations. Appropriate signage must also be placed to let the public know video cameras are in use on the property.

Security systems in restaurants are not really complete without a good video surveillance system. The benefits for adding a security system with video to your restaurants are numerous.

• Theft and loss prevention: One of the biggest problems coffee shop owners have is theft - their customers come in to use the free Wi-Fi, and wind up having their laptops stolen. The addition of video surveillance not only discourages that kind of property theft, but it can catch perpetrators for future investigations and prosecutions.

• Asset and property protection: If one of your biggest worries is vandalism and late night break-ins, having video cameras keeping the property under 24-hour surveillance is important. This is particularly true in higher crime areas. Even if your shop is open 24/7, late night shifts will be safer with video surveillance, as the "graveyard shift" (Midnight to 8) is the most vulnerable time for criminal activity.

• Remote viewing: Digital video and networking of cameras will allow you to check on your shop or restaurant at any time from any location. The only requirements to do so are either a computer, or, in many cases, a smart phone.

• Real-time alerts: Smart cameras now have the ability to send e-mail and phone alerts should the burglar alarms in the restaurant or coffee shop become triggered. Acting fast can be the key to stopping a crime in progress.

If you're unsure of where the video security system in your restaurants should go, take some time to consider these points and ask yourself the following questions:

• What is the size of the restaurant or coffee shop? Is it a small kiosk, a stand-alone building, or part of a chain of stores?
• What is the surrounding neighborhood like?
• What is customer traffic like? Is there a morning surge and then quiet, or is it a constantly busy place?
• What are the security issues for the company - theft, vandalism, etc.?
• Consider placing cameras at the sensitive points of the building - such as the doors, to watch customers enter and exit (as well as employees), and at the registers. Also consider a camera at the store safe if you have one.