Keep the Inventory at Your Antique Shop Safely Protected Around the Clock
If you own a small shop that sells antiques and are wary about items being stolen, the following ideas can help prevent inventory loss during business hours and while you are not on the premises.
Hidden Cameras That Are Connected to a Media Device
Purchase some hidden cameras that blend in well with the decor inside of your business. If you have some paintings on the wall, you can place cameras behind them, or if you have a bookshelf or curio cabinet in your business, you can have a camera discreetly placed in between some of the items stored on either one. A commercial locksmith who offers security-camera services can assist you with installing the cameras and can instruct you on how to gain access to footage through a media device. Contact locksmiths such as Global Lock and Key to see whether they offer these services or can recommend a reputable partner who does.
If you are in one part of your shop, and prospective clients are browsing through other parts of the store, you can keep an eye on their movements in order to make sure that none of your merchandise is being tampered with by accessing the footage through the media device. When your business is closed, you can keep track of what is going on at your business, as well.
Motion-Activated Alarm System That Produces High-Pitched Sounds
Catch potential thieves off guard by having a motion-activated alarm system that emits high-pitched sounds installed if an item is removed out of your store without being purchased. This type of alarm may stop an individual in their tracks or deter them from attempting to steal altogether.
Many alarm systems will require you to place a security tag on each piece of merchandise that you would like to protect. The tags will trigger the alarm if merchandise is carried past a specific spot on your property. Systems can often be programmed to contact a central security center. If you have a model like this installed, an associate at the center will attempt to notify you and law enforcement if the alarm goes off, thus minimizing the risk of theft.
GPS Tracking Devices That Are Small and Portable
If you would like to leave expensive items out in the open so that interested individuals can inspect them when they are visiting your shop, protect them from being stolen by hiding a small global positioning system (GPS) inside of them. A GPS will be undetectable if it is carefully hidden inside of an item. If any of the inventory that has a system hidden in it is removed from your shop, you will instantly be alerted through your phone or another media device.
You can also request to have updates sent to you through each GPS concerning the location of your merchandise during the day or night in order to receive reassurance that nothing has been moved. If an item is stolen, you will be provided with its location, and that will help you regain it.