Such is the level of crime in some inner city areas that some retailers believe they can\'t afford the CCTV and other security systems that insurance companies demand- so they have to operate without insurance. One estimate is that 40% of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) don\'t have insurance are under-insured, while as many as 50% of independant retailers may be operating with only public liability cover.

If you only have a tape based CCTV system, you should consider upgrading to digital because it provides consistent high-quality images that are better when used as evidence, while tapes lose clarity over time particularly if the same tape is being used continuously with old images being overwritten by new ones. If you use tapes, a useful tip is to change them at around 5-6pm each day because most robberies take place in the evening and criminals may possibly visit earlier to "case" the outlet. They may snatch tapes of the robbery, but if you have changed them you will still have their earlier visit!

You can also work with your neighbor police team or join a "shopwatch" scheme using radio and internet link-ups to share information. Forging closer links with police by simple measures such as volunteering your shop as a place for them to call in for a coffee. Other simple measures you can take include locating the till in the most secure location and establish a secure area where they can retreat to if threatened.

The design and layout of a store also has a role to play in making it less attractive to criminals. Having CCTV cameras in key high risk areas will help deter crime and monitor any incidents which may occur.

This article was written for http://www.dtsdigitalcctv.co.uk/ who supply security advice and CCTV surveillance products to home and business owners.

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