---
title: Why Retail Stores Need More Than Basic Security
description: If you're a retail store owner/ manager, here is what you need to know about retail store security. Store security in retail is an important building block for a profitable store..
image: https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/hubfs/cctv-1144366_1920_1.jpg
---

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- [Verified Security Alarms](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/verified-security-alarms)
- [Commercial Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/commercial-security)
- [CCTV Video Surveillance](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/cctv-video-surveillance)
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- [Verified Video Surveillance](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/verified-video-surveillance)
- [SonaVision Online Monitoring](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/sonavision-online-monitoring)
- [Prevent False Alarms](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/prevent-false-alarms)
- [Verified Alarms](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/verified-alarms)
- [Security for Construction Sites](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-for-construction-sites)
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- [Monitored Audio Alarms](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/monitored-audio-alarms)
- [CCTV](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/cctv)
- [Pharmacy and Drug Store Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/pharmacy-and-drug-store-security)
- [Security Audit](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-audit)
- [Small Business Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/small-business-security)
- [Managed Access Control](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/managed-access-control)
- [Prevent Copper Theft](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/prevent-copper-theft)
- [Security for Fenced Compounds](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-for-fenced-compounds)
- [False Alarms](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/false-alarms)
- [Police Response to Sonitrol](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/police-response-to-sonitrol)
- [Security for Marijuana Grow-Ops](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-for-marijuana-grow-ops)
- [Crime Prevention Tips](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/crime-prevention-tips)
- [Security Systems for Schools](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-systems-for-schools)
- [CCTV Versus Sonavision](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/cctv-versus-sonavision)
- [School Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/school-security)
- [Security for Pharmacies](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-for-pharmacies)
- [Security for Warehouses & Manufacturing](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-for-warehouses-manufacturing)
- [Fenced Compounds](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/fenced-compounds)
- [Government Building Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/government-building-security)
- [Business Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/business-security)
- [Keyless Entry](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/keyless-entry)
- [Police Response Times](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/police-response-times)
- [Professional Office Seccurity](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/professional-office-seccurity)
- [Security for Place of Worship](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-for-place-of-worship)
- [SonaVision](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/sonavision)
- [Automotive](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/automotive)
- [Dealerships](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/dealerships)
- [Keyless Access Control](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/keyless-access-control)
- [Retail](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/retail)
- [Verified Reponse](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/verified-reponse)
- [Copper Theft](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/copper-theft)
- [Surveillance](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/surveillance)
- [Workplace security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/workplace-security)
- [vandalism](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/vandalism)
- [Access Control](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/access-control)
- [Audio Intrusion](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/audio-intrusion)
- [Equipment](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/equipment)
- [Financial Institutions](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/financial-institutions)
- [Legal Marijuana Grow-Op Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/legal-marijuana-grow-op-security)
- [Offices](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/offices)
- [Place of Worship](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/place-of-worship)
- [commercial security audit](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/commercial-security-audit)
- [Cannabis Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/cannabis-security)
- [Church](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/church)
- [Criminal Apprehension](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/criminal-apprehension)
- [Guaranteed Commercial Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/guaranteed-commercial-security)
- [Restaurants](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/restaurants)
- [employee theft](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/employee-theft)
- [Construction](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/construction)
- [False Alarm Permits](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/false-alarm-permits)
- [Fraud](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/fraud)
- [Government Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/government-security)
- [Technology](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/technology)
- [criminal captures](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/criminal-captures)
- [education](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/education)

# Why Retail Stores Need More Than Basic Security

![Joe Wilson](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2024%20Website/Images/joe-blog-avatar.png?width=50&height=50&name=joe-blog-avatar.png)

 by [Joe Wilson](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/author/joe-wilson)

March 31, 2016

| > ![Why retail stores need more than just basic CCTV security...](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/hs-fs/hubfs/cctv-1144366_1920_1.jpg?width=651&name=cctv-1144366_1920_1.jpg "Why retail stores need more than just basic CCTV security...")If you own or manage a retail store of any type, you know well about the threats you face on a daily basis. Internal loss and employee theft, armed robbery, break-ins, organized theft, vandalism and more ... are all very real threats that [unfortunately become a reality for many retail stores](http://www.cknw.com/syn/110/91253/armed-robbery-at-west-downtown) across Western Canada.  > > > > For high-end retailers, stocking and selling valuable inventory such as gold, jewelry, collectibles, and electronics, the risks and potential loss are even greater. Although it might be tempting, especially for new stores, to go with the cheapest off-the-shelf CCTV security option, this could lead to immeasurable losses in the long run - especially in the case of violent armed robbery that could compromise you and your employees’ safety. > > **The Cheapest Option** > > While installing a couple of CCTV cameras on your premises seems like a good solution, it is not ideal.  CCTV cameras that just record the comings and goings of store traffic are not a deterrent for theft, nor are they a serious security system designed to protect the safety of employees.  > > > > In the event of a robbery, theft, or vandalism,  CCTV won’t do much to stop the crime from occurring. Criminals are becoming smarter and smarter, they have ways to bypass this kind of security ranging from disguising their identity to modifying/damaging the CCTV cameras. Many will even know how to break in without being caught on the cameras at all. > > Another downfall of traditional/basic security is false alarms. False alarms happen all the time with conventional alarm systems and as a store owner, they leave you with a difficult decision to make:  Do you dispatch police immediately and possibly incur a false alarm fee? Or, do you check on your business first to make sure it's a real break in? By the time you get there it may  already be too late.  A staggering 94% of all alarm activations are false, and there are so many municipal bylaws in place that can impose fines on you, if you're a frequent offender. There are also many police departments that no longer even respond to conventional unverified alarms. > > **So what type of security solution does a retail store need?** > > The ideal solution for a retail business involves a number of elements that are integrated into an all-encompassing solution tailored to the specific needs of the store. This solution would take into account store layout, building type, location, number of employees, and type of inventory. > > Sonitrol Western Canada specializes in these types of custom security solutions for the retail industry. What is needed is a CCTV camera system with a fully integrated verified alarm system, that can monitor all aspects of the store, with complete audio and video surveillance, door alarms, access control, and panic buttons. Sonitrol verified alarms take the guesswork out of alarms and garners a fast police response with an average time of only 3.5 minutes. > > *How do these elements come together to protect your store?* > > **Verified Alarms** > > A [Sonitrol verified alarm](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/sonitrol-verified-alarms-vs-conventional-alarms) using the latest audio & video technology can provide 100% coverage of your business, allowing our operators to be able to hear and see what's happening in your business, often before criminals gain entry. This integrated technology allows us to relay real-time information to responding officers.  If there is a false alarm, we reset the system without bothering you or the police. > > **Audio Surveillance** > > With our [unique audio alarm system,](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/central-video-cctv-audio-monitoring) we can listen to break-ins as they occur.  Our highly sensitive audio sensors will detect a break-in from any point of entry, roof or wall, and identify any abnormal activity occurring in your business, activating our alarm at our monitoring station where expert operator’s will listen-in to determine whether a break-in is really occurring. > > **Access Control/Keyless Entry** > > While traditional keys pose a threat to your store’s security (keys can be lost, stolen, copied, and locks can be picked) a [keyless entry](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/keyless-access-managed-access-control-office-building-security) not only can eliminate the majority of these concerns  but also provide you with the option to manage which employees have access to which areas of your store. If you are a high-end store with rare or valuable inventory, this allows you to further secure areas where this inventory is stored. > > **SonaVision** > > If a criminal is detected entering a secure area, push video technology immediately sends video through to our operators to view. The operator can then verify the break-in and will immediately dispatch the police. And your own supervisors can use [SonaVision](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/sonitrol-sonavision-video-monitoring-cctv-surveillance) to remotely manage operations at your store in Western Canada, from anywhere in the world. > > Sonitrol Western Canada, is an industry leader in customized, state-of-the-art verified electronic security solutions for retail stores. Police have always considered [verified CCTV video / audio technology](http://t.sidekickopen48.com/e1t/c/5/f18dQhb0S7lC8dDMPbW2n0x6l2B9nMJW7t5XZs8p_7GWW643TNC2B84cnW3LqXLC56dWcgf6Dv4YH02?t=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sonitrolwesterncanada.com%2Fintegrated-security-technology-for-commercial-security-alarms&si=5783952812146688&pi=bedcaa29-152b-4ef5-d7f2-8dd618530136) much better than conventional security solutions because of the low false alarm rate and high apprehension rate. These are significant benefits of a Sonitrol alarm system as well as: wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling protection, early detection and alarm verification, critical information for responding Police, and detection of conventional and unconventional break-ins. Deterrence of break ins should be your goal and criminals know how successful Sonitrol Verified Systems are at detecting break-ins and the fast police response they garner.... So criminals will most likely not even attempt a break in to a Sonitrol protect site... There are too many less risky sites to break into. Deterrence of a break in should be your goal... Go with Sonitrol. Don’t risk your business, livelihood, and the safety of your employees with a cheap security system that doesn’t cover all your bases. Here are some other blogs you may be interested in:  - [Top 5 Common Security Mistakes Made By Businesses](http://t.sidekickopen48.com/e1t/c/5/f18dQhb0S7lC8dDMPbW2n0x6l2B9nMJW7t5XZs8p_7GWW643TNC2B84cnW3LqXLC56dWcgf6Dv4YH02?t=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sonitrolwesterncanada.com%2Fblog%2Ftop-5-common-security-mistakes-made-by-businesses&si=5783952812146688&pi=bedcaa29-152b-4ef5-d7f2-8dd618530136) - [Luxury High-End Retailers Need High-End Security Systems](http://t.sidekickopen48.com/e1t/c/5/f18dQhb0S7lC8dDMPbW2n0x6l2B9nMJW7t5XZs8p_7GWW643TNC2B84cnW3LqXLC56dWcgf6Dv4YH02?t=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sonitrolwesterncanada.com%2Fblog%2Fluxury-high-end-retailers-need-high-end-sonitrol-security-systems&si=5783952812146688&pi=bedcaa29-152b-4ef5-d7f2-8dd618530136)  - [Rate Your Retail Store Security With This 75 Point Checklist](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/the-importance-of-professional-remote-monitoring-for-your-security-system-0)   [![Get A Free Security Plan For Your Business!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/325814/477f2c49-27bd-41c9-8426-a421df402b25.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/325814/477f2c49-27bd-41c9-8426-a421df402b25)    *About Sonitrol Western Canada* *We're so confident in our technology and responsive service, that no one else in the industry can match our guarantee.  Our unique verified audio and CCTV video business security solutions enable our operators to hear and see what is happening in your business before the criminals gain entry!!  We verify the actual source of the alarm, and we get the police to attend the scene immediately.  [FOR A FREE SECURITY AUDIT, click here](http://t.sidekickopen44.com/e1t/c/5/f18dQhb0S7lC8dDMPbW2n0x6l2B9nMJW7t5XZs8p_7GWW643TNC2B84cnW3LqXLC56dWcgf6Dv4YH02?t=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sonitrolwesterncanada.com%2Ffree-commercial-security-audit&si=5783952812146688&pi=02b0b5f0-b2b1-40d4-e51e-1aced8cd855f), or call [1-866-766-4876](tel:1-866-766-4876) - We are a security company with over 150 offices across North America serving clients across Western Canada in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Victoria, Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon.  * * * *Sonitrol Western Canada, with its Verified Electronic Security Systems, is committed to providing customers with the most comprehensive security protection.  Cooperation in the elimination of false alarms is not only beneficial to the system’s user but results in better protection of the entire community by allowing law enforcement to use their resources as efficiently as possible.* |
| --- |

**Tags: **

[Retail Security, ](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/retail-security) [CCTV Video Surveillance, ](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/cctv-video-surveillance) [SonaVision Online Monitoring, ](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/sonavision-online-monitoring) [Verified Security Alarms](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/verified-security-alarms)

![Joe Wilson](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2024%20Website/Images/joe-blog-avatar.png?width=50&height=50&name=joe-blog-avatar.png)

Post by [Joe Wilson](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/author/joe-wilson)  
 March 31, 2016

 We provide our customers with the best commercial security solutions and quality service backed by our unique Guarantee and Commitment to Service. It's something unverified conventional alarm companies simply cannot guarantee!

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