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n 2018, there were 7.2 million property crimes committed, 72.5 percent of which were larceny or theft crimes. Statistics like these are bound to make anyone barricade their store doors and hide behind a shelf with a shotgun, but that's an unrealistic expectation. But what if we told you there were other reasons you needed security?
Well then, that would raise some more questions. What are these reasons, and what repercussions would you suffer for not following them?
Well, you don't have to wonder any longer. We're here to answer that pivotal question: are security systems required?
Now, are you ready? Then let's get into it.
They Will Save Your Butt In Court
Let's say you run a grocery store. One day, one of your employees comes up to you and tells you that they have detained a customer on suspicion of shoplifting. It's later determined the customer did not steal anything, and days later you get a lawsuit from that customer.
Even if your employee had a ton of probable cause to detain that customer, one eyewitness will not win you a court case. So if you don't want to pay thousands, invest in a security system. Using devices like surveillance cameras will help frame the act and give you more solid ground of your justification in detaining that customer.
Another way security services will save you in this aspect is ensuring the safety of your employees. Not only will cameras dissuade potential troublemakers from starting anything, but they will also prove helpful if you need to show in court that you are not liable for an employee's injury or mistreatment.
Heck, even in cases of straight-up theft, your case runs the risk of dismissal if you don't have the evidence to prove it or showed extreme negligence in preventing it. So do yourself a favor, bite the bullet, and get the security system
Are Security Systems Required? They Are If You Hate Jail Cells
Another reason you have to have a security system in place at your storefront is that having none is illegal. For example, if you decide to not implement a working smoke detector in your business, you're looking at a hefty fine and potential jail time if anyone got hurt as a result of this negligence.
Sometimes, the way you use your security will land you in legal trouble. For example, if you have security cameras in places you shouldn't (like bathrooms or changing rooms), you're going up the proverbial creek.
Depending on the state you live in, the laws of what degrees of security can have will vary, so make sure to do some research before attempting a DIY security system for your store.
Protecting Your Store From The Threat Of Invasion
Well, now that you have a definitive answer to the question of "are security systems required?", what are you going to do? If you have more questions about your security or want to start implementing some new stuff, we're more than happy to help you out.
So best of work in the storefront world, and remember: better safe than sorry.