Leveraging CCTV to boost profits and protect staff in the garden centre sector

CCTV for garden centres

CCTV, in its most basic form, is traditionally known as a tool for capturing thieves in action. And whilst it does deter and identify criminals, it is actually a formidable tool in far more ways than meets the eye, particularly within the garden centre industry.

In fact, intuitive camera systems, when used properly, can be a powerful system for boosting profits, protecting the bottom line and preventing injury claims.

It is widely known that the garden centre sector is a difficult one to trade in. With cash and products being exchanged, and internal and external areas to monitor, it has always been a target of theft.

That’s why we have a disproportionately large number of clients within the industry. We have installed CCTV and access systems in many garden centres in the North of the UK, so we have a deep understanding of the challenges faced, and the opportunities that arise, from the installation of monitoring technology.

Using CCTV to reduce theft

Firstly, and most obviously, is the loss of stock out-of-hours. Outside areas are a common target for theft, but with the installation of cameras, the threat of robbery is often dramatically reduced.

There is also the reduction in pilfering. Often, stock is lost due to customers shoplifting one or two items and paying for the rest. It can also be caused by staff, who take stock home to plant in their own gardens. With the installation of well-placed CCTV, the opportunity for such theft is dramatically cut. Our experience tells us the best place to install cameras, to ensure all areas are covered at the lowest cost to clients.

CCTV can also be used to identify thieves before they enter the building. Licence plate recognition (LPR) cameras can scan number plates on entry to the car park and alert staff to known shoplifters arriving, so that a security guard can screen them, or staff can pay extra attention to them.

CCTV for health and safety measures

Health and safety compliance is another common reason for CCTV installation. The ability to watch accidents by reviewing recorded incidents can be the difference between having a large insurance claim or none at all. It is often all-too-easy for self-inflicted slips or trips to turn into accident claims, but with HD, 24-hour camera monitoring, retailers can deny fault, and limit claims against them. On the flipside, it can also help to pinpoint areas for improvement in health and safety assessments.

CCTV heat mapping retail analysis

CCTV heat mapping is where the technology starts to come into its own. Able to identify traffic flow, CCTV systems with analytics can provide intuitive reporting on footfall, helping to recognise the most profitable products and peak hours, which drive better, well-informed business decisions. Using this information, directors are able to ascertain optimum staffing levels, product purchasing choices and placement.