WiFi antenna Hacks

WiFi Range-Hacks
Mitch Epley

Have you ever bought one of those cheap WiFi spy cameras? You know, the ones you pay $1.95 for on E-Bay (plus 19.95 for shipping?)  Gotten it home, or into your lab or workshop and set it up and Voila! You have the world at your fingertips, video wirelessly!  Except when you deploy it, and realize you’re only getting 8-10 feet of range and it’s choppy at that? What about model airplanes with an inventively attached camera, or a R/C car? Cheap wireless cameras are plentiful, and they just don’t always fulfill the expectations. Always remember, “You get what you pay for.”

Now, having said that, how do you fix the issue?

One, your typical battery operated, covert device is usually running on a very small, low current power source. 9 volt batteries, maybe a few penlight cells, if you’re really small, maybe even a couple of button power cells. These are ok, but not really calculated for strength, or longevity. A simple fix, often is increasing the current, hence the available power to the wireless transmitter or device. Now you don’t want to increase the voltage, but increasing the available current capability may just give you the added power to overcome some of your distance limitations with your WiFi.

Simple enough to do, but it might take some small skill with a soldering iron. Primarily, the easiest method is to take the same battery setup, currently powering your device and double it. If you have 1- 9volt battery, a second battery attached in PARALLEL will keep the voltage the same, but double the available current capacity in your device. Increasing your current capability should give you more power for your WiFi transmitter and assist you in increasing your reception and transmission range. It may require you to be creative on how you hold, and attach the additional batteries, but I have confidence in you.  For those of you who aren’t sure about the difference between Parallel and Series connections, check here (FYI this only works on DC or direct current power situations, do not try to tie two AC transformers together!)

Two, essentially the same issue. How do I boost my reception range? If additional power is not the answer, you’ll probably have to resort to antenna modifications to achieve your goals. There are many different styles of antenna, but they mostly boil down to two main types, Directional, and Omnidirectional. Directional antennas point in one direction or field only, and outside of that area, reception is nil, or next to it. Not a good alternative to anything mobile, or if you want to be able to roam freely while receiving. Omnidirectional, which is usually the type on most commercial devices is usually just a pole or wand antenna and can receive in any direction. (We’ll talk about polarization later)

One, the yaggi, a directional antenna, (sounds like shaggy) is a series of elements precisely calculated for length and spacing that focuses and directs ambient signals to an “active” element and thus concentrates the signal. Very precise, and relatively hi gain. You can build one, and I’ve included the link here.

Two, a second directional method is the parabolic antenna, just like the common Satellite TV antenna you see on lots of houses. This one is much easier and requires much less work. The gain is not as high, but a 25-50% increase in signal strength is not unreasonable. Again, here’s a link to build one.

For a Omnidirectional (from the Latin, Omus, meaning “Where the hell am I?) You get an antenna that you can receive signals from in any direction. (Well almost, we’ll get into that a bit later.)  Your standard wireless camera usually comes with a whip style antenna. That’s the “pole” sticking out of the side of your device. It’s usually mounted on some sort of swivel. Now you can pay for a “Upgraded antenna, with increased range” or you can make one simply enough…for about 5 cents.
Again, I’m going to direct you to a link, because it’s just too long to go into all these descriptions on this post.  Omnidirectional booster antenna link

Just a quick note on antenna polarization, it simply means, if the transmitter antenna is sticking straight up, your receiver antenna should be sticking straight up too. If the transmitter is horizontal, the same applies to your receiver. Make sure the antennas are “polarized” properly for maximum reception strength. This applies, obviously to the omnidirectional antenna mostly, but can apply to the other tow antennas described, your just have to play with them a bit for optimal reception.

Now for some Technical information you might want. I’m sure you can find it on the Internet, but it’s always helpful to rebroadcast this kind of thing.

Remember, Wi-Fi networks have limited range. A typical wireless access point using 802.11b or 802.11g with a stock antenna can have a range of up to 120 feet indoors, and 300 ft outdoors typically, under excellent conditions. IEEE 802.11n, however, can exceed that range by more than two times.  Range also varies with frequency band. Wi-Fi in the 2.4 GHz frequency block has slightly better range than Wi-Fi in the 5 GHz frequency block which is used by 802.11a. On wireless routers with detachable antennas, it is possible to improve range by fitting upgraded (or modified!) antennas which have higher gain in particular directions. Outdoor ranges can be improved to many kilometers through the use of high gain directional antennas at the router and remote device(s).  Remember, WiFi frequencies are very susceptible to interference.  Walls, especially kitchen and bathroom walls between you and your receiver can be particularly annoying. Metal pipes, cast iron bathtubs, refrigerators, stoves, freezers, microwaves… Especially Microwaves can all reduce signal strength to inoperable levels.

Due to reach requirements for wireless LAN applications, Wi-Fi has fairly high power consumption compared to some other standards. Technologies such as Bluetooth provide a much shorter propagation range of 5-20 feet and so in general have a lower power consumption. Other low-power technologies such as ZigBee have fairly long range, but much lower data rate. The high power consumption of Wi-Fi makes battery life in mobile devices a concern. (More current capability, the longer life, and better transmission power/range!)

The practical range of Wi-Fi essentially confines mobile use to such applications as inventory-taking machines in warehouses or in retail spaces, barcode-reading devices at check-out stands, or receiving/shipping stations. Mobile use of Wi-Fi over wider ranges is limited, for instance, to uses such as in an automobile moving from one hotspot to another. Other wireless technologies are more suitable for communicating with moving vehicles.

Hope this helps ,… Good luck!

 

Video Outlook for 2012

Video outlook, looking good for SMB and private users in 2012

The video surveillance industry, for all its business and personal benefits, has its share of complex issues. What do I buy? When do I upgrade? How much and how many. What technology, what price? Who should I buy from?  Analog systems, IP protocols, Coax, TWP, Cat5 cabling?  What about VCRs, DVRs, NVRs or cloud storage? How much storage do I need? What about image quality and price concerns, and/or user interface?   There’s a huge list.  Still, despite the all issues, the current critical storage disk drive (HDD) shortage, confusing vocabulary, conflicting technologies and the effects of global recession, video surveillance opportunities and technology continue to be valid and robust.

Internet protocols (IP) and IT adaptability continue to move forward and enable new offerings and much awaited advanced analytics. New technologies play perfectly into a receptive small-to-medium business and home market. Experts forecasting 2012, say “2012 is predicted to be a solid, if not great, year of growth for the video industry as a whole.”

Industry surveys of security integrators and installers, point to video surveillance’s strong presence in the security market.  A paraphrased security report states…“The video portion in the world security market has grown by 7 percent growth per annum during the last three years, which is remarkable given the poor economic conditions that have prevailed.”

One cause for the growth of video is the video surveillance market’s steady advances against complicated barriers, both technical and manufacturer based.  2012  more than ever, with positive changes in processor power, storage size, video resolution,  user interface,  prices, advanced analytics, and new markets stand to be a positive industry proponent , and a profitable one for both consumer and integrator.

“When it comes to video, the barriers have disappeared,” states Jacky Grimm, vice president, Security Solutions and Business Development, Diebold Inc., North Canton, Ohio. “In the past, adoption of new video technology, like IP, was limited due to cost and compatibility issues. Today, the technology is affordable, compatible and offers three distinct advantages: better resolution, flexibility in architecture and edge devices that are becoming much more powerful. As a result, we expect to see continued growth,” Grimm shares.

Edward Wassall, director of IP Product and Business Development, Samsung Techwin America, says, “As we look at the 2012 security market among a plethora of market predictions, forecasts and top trends for the security industry as a whole, the one constant is the incredible technological advances that we have seen in the past year and which will continue to evolve in 2012.”

While video surveillance technology always seem to be playing “catch-up” behind other industries at times, ( and it does)  it does eventually take the technology advancements from other industries and successfully adapt them to meet security needs. Take the evolution of storage for example, which began in the personal computing market and is now a critical component of video surveillance today.

By comparison, the first hard disk drive from IBM in 1956 was a five-megabyte drive installed in an array called Ramac. It was the size of a double wide refrigerator with a price tag of $10,000 per megabyte of storage.  Compared with today, the average price of HDD storage has fallen to a mere $0.05 per gigabyte (GB) in 2011. http://www-03.ibm.com/ibm/history/exhibits/storage/storage_350.html

Jump to 2012. In January , IBM announced that after five years of work, its researchers had broken storage barriers to an almost Science Fictional level, reducing from about one million to 12 the number of atoms required to create a bit of data , ( that’s TWELVE ATOMS!) (eight bits equal one byte, which serves as the starting point for all those megabytes, gigabytes terabytes, petabytes, etc). http://hardware.slashdot.org/story/12/01/12/206224/ibm-shrinks-bit-size-to-12-atoms

The almost realized concept of unlimited storage and the shrinking per byte prices removes a major barrier for the video surveillance market at a critical time, the growth of high definition (HD) and megapixel cameras. End users are swiftly transitioning from Analog based video and older CCD based digital/analog cameras to IP based HD and megapixel systems. Web based research forecasts that by 2015 more than 70 percent of current video surveillance cameras will be of megapixel resolution.

That shift in technology is advancing the video surveillance industry.

The video surveillance industry is reacting to an increasing desire for resolution, while VGA (1/3 megapixel, 640×480) cameras have been built into cell phones since 2002, the increase of resolution has been on fast forward. Today our cell phones have more like eight, ten or even twelve megapixels. Customers expect high resolutions today and that expectation bleeds into other markets,.. like security. This popular drive for increased pixel resolution is also often driven by Hollywood and the proliferation of “CSI” and investigative style shows showing enhanced, or even unrealistic video technologies.  I’ve always been amazed at the ability of an ATM customer camera to correctly resolve, out of a glass reflection of a suspect in the storefront window across the street!  Customers expect more, and are often confused when imaging is not up to their standards or expectations

As manufacturers products resolutions and capabilities increase, the amount of necessary stored data increases dramatically as well, however, it isn’t the only barrier encountered in our progression to HD video. In addition to driving up storage requirements, high resolution also exposes other items, like lens quality issues in cameras, which is shaping up to be another barrier the video surveillance market is poised to address in 2012.  As resolution climbed up, at first it appeared to end users that cameras seemed to be going out of focus more. But they weren’t. The higher resolution just revealed out-of-focus cameras more clearly, bringing the issue to the forefront. This is an area where IP and high definition reveals previous shortcomings. It is worth noting, that HD and Megapixel cameras require different and higher quality lens’. An area where traditionally someone might be able to” save a few bucks” with plastic, or lower quality lens’ is no longer a viable option at HD resolutions.

In response, manufacturers advanced concepts such as auto focus, IR lens compensation, and specific mega pixel quality lens configurations, making the acquisition, purchase, installation and use of the newer video systems simpler in 2012.  And simplicity results in faster installs and cost savings for end users.
A simple truism… “Simplicity increases customer satisfaction.” I’d extend that truth to include installers and end users!

2012 is likely to be highly competitive in every area, especially from a cost standpoint.

Analog devices, such as cameras, have been produced by a multitude of manufacturers for the last 25+ years.  It is a proven and reliable technology, combined with mass production.  It has resulted in very good analog products at affordable prices. In addition, new megapixel technologies, although currently maturing at a faster rate than analog, still tend to be on the higher end of the pricing list. Although many manufacturers tend to debate the issues around analog versus digital, making analog seem old and outdated, don’t be fooled, many manufacturers still produce both technologies and are focused on providing the best solution to meet customer needs. Analog and Digital systems are still widely available, and the price points between them is narrowing.  Most of the industry agrees that the new technologies, will trend towards the convenience of IP and IT advances, however, the proven, reliable and “stand alone” hardiness of the analog CCD/Coax/DVR has been proven and validated.  In my opinion, we will continue to see these systems proliferate for several years to come.  That being said, there are definite advantages to digital capture and storage of images that analog will probably never match. Gill Grissom would be firmly in the Digital camp.

Security is traditionally very slow to move into new technologies compared to IT, the reduced cost of an on board data storage ( HDD), and the cost of new cloud based storage means that many vendors will start thinking through opportunities for offering cloud-based, or remote storage and processing solutions.

More importantly, you may already have the device that is going to used to deliver content to you, your computers at home, the smart phone at your side, your iPad. These devices, combined with manufacturer or private apps will incorporate your existing computer network, your wireless connectivity. You may already have all the monitoring equipment you’ll need for a new system. In addition to owning the devices, end users also are simply becoming better at understanding and using remote access.  End users are becoming more technology proficient and are more comfortable utilizing the remote features that today’s systems offer.

“.. dealers and end users need to be aware that hosted video is a growing trend, and they need to start thinking about what their strategy is going to be as the cloud becomes more prevalent,” advises Tony Sorrentino, president, ScanSource Security, Greenville, S.C.

People are getting really comfortable seeing video on devices. It got us over a societal hurdle. Today when you mention to a customer, ‘We’re going to store your video in the cloud, it isn’t a shock. Several years ago, though, it was a little bit out there. Not to mention not very reliable. Today, small scale and large scale providers can acquire, store and re-deliver clear and accurate on demand video. Today end users think, “Why shouldn’t I be able to look at my “home, store, or office, from anywhere and see what’s happening, or what has happened, from my home, vehicle, or hotel room?”

All the technologies that have removed the barriers for remote video are game changers. It is not as big of a deal for larger companies, but for customers like SMB, or private users, it is proving to be a game changer. There is a huge, untapped market for these services. It is not hard to think that every small establishment should have some kind of service, so as the technology continuously improves, costs come down, and more barriers are erased, this is not a market that appears to have any end point.

Disappearing barriers in storage, price and ease of use, along with maturing technologies — it is no wonder that the video surveillance market has such a positive outlook for 2012.

A case for security spy cameras

Businesses employ many different techniques of keeping track of inventory and the on goings of the staff / customers.  One of the most widespread devices that is consumed by the majority of business owners is the security spy camera . Spy cameras have gained a very huge following among business owners and with their help owners are more defended. It is likely employees will stick to appropriate activities during each business day.

Hidden spy cameras will help you if you have some uncertainties concerning employees. By installing spy cameras you will catch workers who like to steal and it will be performed faster than with any other device. The technological procedure does not rest in one place and its improvements and innovations can make being protected  much easier. Spy cameras are a gadget that can be installed in your working setting and you will not even notice that your boss is spying on you. Usually people can describe spy camera as a small hidden camera that can be installed in objects and with the help of which you may follow your home, working place or individuals. Speaking about the past situation with the hidden spy cameras it is required to point out that these were very expensive devices and the majority of individuals could not make them accessible because of their budgeting. If comparing with that today’s situation has modified and hidden spy cameras are easily accessible and sold in many shops.

Any individual who wants to improve his/her security system may purchase small spy cameras for between $20.00 and $2000.00. There are many types and sizes of spy cameras and you can select and any modification of it can be made according to the needs you have. Before buying a spy camera, try to consult a professional so that you can receive the necessary information, because if you are not competent in this field you may want some suggestion as for the type, and manufacturer of the cameras and also the best object it can be installed into. These spy devices can transmit pictures from just a few feet to several miles. The pictures can be in colored or black & white. They can be transmitted by wire and or wireless. A rule of thumb is get the best camera you can afford and make sure you take into account how you will run the wire or how far and how many walls a wireless will need to go through. A great added feature is the built-in video recorder. It gives you the possibility to record the video and sometimes can save you cash. Often spy cameras are installed into wall clocks, radios, computers or just a dark recess. One more great feature to look for is a spy camera that has its SD memory card in order to record more video and catch more pictures. Remember hidden spy cameras in your business office or home will add to your security and peace of mind.

Security posts so far

We have had a chance to see how this blog works now and have decided a few things.

First currently we have 3 primary posters, we’ll have some others posting here and there but Mitch (who has been out on assignment) Julie, and me will do most of the posts.

Julie will write about consumer security news, Mitch will review and qualify security products and I will give tips to make sure what you have is used to its most reliable extent.

It’s a short night tonight we are working on our upcoming podcasts and video casts.

Look forward to a great post from Mitch, he is an engineer with years of design and field work under his belt ie; he has to build what the salesman sells to the customer, not an easy task.

History of Security Surveillance

I thought it would be fun today to look at the history of security surveillance.  It’s incredible to think about how our current technology came to be and why.  Only 46 years ago did the first rumors of big brother surface.  At this time, press reports were released suggesting that police were beginning to use surveillance cameras in public.  I can only imagine the obviousness of those cameras way back when.  Especially when you compare it to today’s technology where a surveillance camera can be as small as a nail head and even mistaken for an insignificant philips screw.  In 1969, it was official – New York City had installed surveillance cameras near their City Hall.  Before you could say “big brother”, closed circuit televisions were being monitored by police officers clear across our great country 24/7.

Video surveillance recording technology arrived on the market in the form of VCRs and Betas.  Before, nothing could be recorded with a camera unless of course you were in the movie or television industry.  But the VCR and Beta drove the use of security surveillance world-wide because not only could you monitor suspicious or criminal activity but you could record it too.  This created “evidence” that could be submitted in a court of law and potentially to the persecution of offenders.  Video cameras were mostly used for government buildings and personal businesses.  But, in 1975, England had installed one of the first video surveillance systems in four of the major underground train stations.  Before you knew it, security surveillance cameras were everywhere from police stations and banks to businesses, some high traffic freeway areas and even some homes (of the wealthy of course).  And who knew how the government was using security surveillance to keep our nation secure.  With this new recording technology security surveillance had truly arrived!

Camera and recording technology still had a ways to go before it got to the big boom of security surveillance as we know it today.  At that time, security surveillance cameras were still really only used to apprehend criminals.  It wasn’t long before our average fellow American took notice and began to understand the value of video surveillance.  And, the lowly camera was able to monitor other places besides government buildings, banks and other types of businesses.  Traffic could be monitored and recorded instead of dispatching helicopters to give the public updates on traffic jams.  The insurance industry could catch fraudulent worker’s comp cases.  Husbands and wives could document with video cameras their spouse’s infidelity.  Or, even child abuse could be caught on video.  The uses became endless and the public was excited to have a weapon of sorts that would help protect them against the evils of the world.

Unfortunately, there were drawbacks to the booming security surveillance.  The major concern of the public was the invasion of personal privacy.  This lead to conspiracy theorists who began to talk about the concept of “big brother” who is always watching.  The feel that our government was constantly observing us and who knew what they were doing with those recorded images of all of us.  The thought of our country becoming like a communist state where the government was involved in every aspect of our personal life to make sure we always made the right decision that would benefit “them”.  I’m sure there are still individuals out there that will never be comfortable with the thought of “big brother’s” eyes looming over us.  But, for others, this new technology had become lifesaving and this benefit as well as others outweighed the negative.

But, even with these amazing advances in security surveillance, the camera technology was still limited.  Lighting was an issue – if it was dark or even just dim the cameras couldn’t see potential issues.  Security personnel, business owners and others had to remember to put in their VCR or Beta machine a new tape.  Even if they didn’t forget, those that monitored became more comfortable with their system and maybe didn’t always put a tape in their VCR for the day.  This caused some glitches in the process of keeping ourselves safe and demanded that the market improve its product.

Charged Coupled Device cameras finally reached the market which allowed security devices to be used with computers.  No longer did it matter the environment the cameras were installed in – low light or dark.  Also, the images could be stored digitally rather than on tapes or film.  Digital multiplex added features like time lapse and motion only recording.  Digital multiplex also enabled recording on several cameras at the same time.  This catapulted us to where we are now with cameras in every ATM machine, mounted in police cars and even in satellites.  It’s exciting to think of what will come to us in the future of security surveillance.

Where are we headed?  The sky’s the limit or I guess the universe is the limit since we’ve surpassed our orbit.  I look forward to learning more and discussing it with you as new ideas are accessible or maybe even just in its dream stages!

Content Analysis Software

The technology in our field amazes me!  It seems every day I learn of new and exciting equipment or software that makes our line of work easier and a whole lot of fun.  The latest technology I’m discussing today is content analysis software.  Currently, most businesses use a basic security system and hire individuals to monitor live video feed remotely or on site.  Often we hear about the strain on security personnel of trying to stay awake as they daydream while staring into a screen of a dark, empty, and quiet building or parking lot.  Thankfully they have their scheduled walkthroughs to help pass the time.  Smaller businesses with a tighter budget want security but can’t afford the 24 hour monitoring.  They often have a small security system, maybe one or two cameras with a DVR and no live monitoring.  Video is often reviewed after an incident has occurred and hopefully will help in filing a police report.  But often, the video is lacking in making a positive I.D.

Well, with this new technology, the future of security surveillance is much more affordable.  Businesses can expand their coverage with incredible enhancements that were once only dreamed of due to the recent advances in security software and hardware.  Instead of a human security guard operating and monitoring video feed and trying to stay awake – software can now take on the responsibility of monitoring and sending alerts when a specified activity takes place.  For example, we have a customer who monitors several apartment complexes.  As with most apartments, the pool area closes at 10 pm.  If there are individuals in the pool after that time security needs to be dispatched.  Instead of a security guard monitoring this area remotely, content analysis software can notify security of any activity in the specific area.  This would allow his security personnel to focus on other areas of these particular apartment complexes.

Homeland Security has been using this technology with the help of Snaroff, a company that specialize in aerial and tower mounted surveillance.  The content analysis software they us is TerraSight Software from Pyramid Vision.  This defense surveillance can actually “fingerprint” an object.  Which means it can recognize the activity as it moves through the monitored area.  It can also filter irrelevant content, such as lighting changes and resolution discrepancies (i.e. moiré pattern, pixilation or lossy data compression).  TerraSight has geographical coordinates associated with each video pixel as well as an extensive metadata catalog (this allows the software to locate, retrieve more easily and manage its data information) which all helps in analyzing events.  Some other vendors that offer this same type of technology are VideoIQ and ObjectVideo.

Another new technology on the same lines as content analysis software is adaptive learning surveillance software.  BRS Labs has developed just that – a cognitive video analytics system that actually examines video for certain patterns.  BRS Labs calls this software AlSight and it is able to track objects frame by frame to detect dissimilarities from its already recognized patterns so to speak and when it sees this variation the software sends out an alert.  Basically, the software is so smart it is going to learn certain situations and recognize when there is a small deviation from that particular condition.

In future posts, we’ll discuss in-depth the hardware end of this amazing technology and the requirements to monitor using these incredible software applications.  We are living in exciting times when it come to security surveillance!

The Legality of Hidden Cameras

Hidden camera surveillance is a very effective way to continually monitor areas of potential theft or wrong doing at a place of business or even a home.  Although this is extremely effective it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s legal.  In today’s post we are going to look at potential problems and illegal issues to hidden cameras.  (Note: this post should not be taken as legal advice in any shape or form concerning hidden cameras or any other matters discussed below.  If you are looking to install hidden cameras in your place of business or home please consult your legal counsel first!)   Now on to the good stuff!  This subject creates a lot of questions and controversy.

It is illegal to video an individual with the sole purpose of using the video for blackmail or other malevolent intent.  It is also illegal to video an individual in a place where a person would “expect privacy”.  This would violate very specific privacy laws.  One big controversy comes to mind that involves these privacy laws and that’s Michael Lyon, former chief executive officer of Lyon Realty.  He plead guilty to secretly recording several women in his home.  If you have not heard about this scandal there are lots of articles and videos to be found on the net – feel free to peruse.  Back to the idea of “expected privacy” – some of these locations would be bedrooms, bathrooms, locker rooms, dressing rooms, changing rooms, and hotel rooms.  Interestingly, not every state has laws prohibiting the installation of cameras in what would be considered a private location.  Which plainly means that in some states it’s okay to install cameras in these places of privacy.  However, it must be authorized by the owner of that particular property.  Again, please consult your legal counsel to verify whether or not you live in such a state.  The following are some states which deem it illegal to install a hidden camera in an “expected privacy” location.

  • Alabama, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, South Dakota and Utah.

These are some states that don’t allow trespassers on to someone’s private property for the purpose of obtaining unauthorized hidden camera footage.  An example of this is tabloid magazines or shows that might be looking to get the latest gossip or scoop on the hottest stars of the day.  Some states that have this law are:

  • Alabama, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, South Dakota and Utah.

Concerning hidden cameras in a home, an individual has the right to install a hidden surveillance system but only for the purposes of safety and security.  If an incident was captured with the use of hidden cameras the footage is allowable in a court of law during a prosecution hearing.  This is only video however audio is a different story.  The following are some states that do not allow the use of audio without the consent of individual that you plan to tape.

  • California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Washington.

Oddly enough there are areas that are not very clear when it comes to hidden camera surveillance and the intent behind it.  Many cases have been brought before judges to try and clarify what is legal and right intent.  For instance, hidden cameras inside stuffed animals have been developed for parents to ensure their child’s safety with their nanny.  This is considered acceptable intent because you are concerned about the safety of your children.  However, if you used that stuffed animal camera to tape a visitor in your home in order to blackmail them – you’ve broken the law.  As mentioned above, you cannot put that same stuffed animal camera and place it in an “expected privacy” place or room in your home.

What about hidden cameras in a place of business you ask.  Well, it seems as though you can’t take a step outside your home without a video surveillance camera catching it.  And this is true for inside businesses as well.  As we’ve discussed before, businesses these days are dealing with a lot of theft, shoplifting or malicious activity on their premises.  To help prevent their business from suffering even more during these tough economic times they use video surveillance systems with full view and/or hidden cameras.  But, where does “expected privacy” begin and end in a business environment?  As you can imagine there is a lot of controversy around this question.  And many businesses hire professional retail loss prevention professionals to help them through this process.  (See our previous post titled “Retail Loss Prevention” for more details.)  Also, if you are a business owner looking to install a security system be sure to consult your legal counsel when it comes to placing hidden cameras.  As with an individual’s home, there are states that recognized certain privacy laws and others that don’t.  So, to prevent a possible law suit or even worse jail time be sure your attorney has helped you make all the right decisions.

 

Retail Loss Prevention

For any Retail Business lost prevention is key to their success.  Even more important than before, retail businesses need to be on top of their game concerning security and theft prevention.  Our world-wide recession has caused desperation in individuals not seen since the Great Depression.  Business owners need to focus on internal programs such as employee theft, shoplifting, fraud, vendor theft, and even accounting errors.  These programs could be initiated by in-store employees.  Even better, retail businesses should hire retail loss prevention professionals.  We highly recommend this last scenario.  Fellow employees are very often emotionally involved with regard to their relationship with their co-workers.  Potentially making an extreme challenge to “turn in” a friend and co-worker.  Here are some statistics generously shared with us by NASP:

  • More than $13 billion worth of goods are stolen from retailers each year. That’s more than $35 million per day.
  • There are approximately 27 million shoplifters (or 1 in 11 people) in our nation today. More than 10 million people have been caught shoplifting in the last five years.
  • Shoplifting affects more than the offender. It overburdens the police and the courts, adds to a store’s security expenses, costs consumers more for goods, costs communities lost dollars in sales taxes and hurts children and families.
  • Shoplifters steal from all types of stores including department stores, specialty shops, supermarkets, drug stores, discounters, music stores, convenience stores and thrift shops.
  • There is no profile of a typical shoplifter. Men and women shoplift about equally as often.
  • Approximately 25 percent of shoplifters are kids, 75 percent are adults. 55 percent of adult shoplifters say they started shoplifting in their teens.
  • Many shoplifters buy and steal merchandise in the same visit. Shoplifters commonly steal from $2 to $200 per incident depending upon the type of store and item(s) chosen.
  • Shoplifting is often not a premeditated crime. 73 percent of adult and 72 percent of juvenile shoplifters don’t plan to steal in advance.
  • 89 percent of kids say they know other kids who shoplift. 66 percent say they hang out with those kids.
  • Shoplifters say they are caught an average of only once in every 48 times they steal. They are turned over to the police 50 percent of the time.
  • Approximately 3 percent of shoplifters are “professionals” who steal solely for resale or profit as a business. These include drug addicts who steal to feed their habit, hardened professionals who steal as a life-style and international shoplifting gangs who steal for profit as a business. “Professional” shoplifters are responsible for 10 percent of the total dollar losses.
  • The vast majority of shoplifters are “non-professionals” who steal, not out of criminal intent, financial need or greed but as a response to social and personal pressures in their life.
  • The excitement generated from “getting away with it” produces a chemical reaction resulting in what shoplifters describe as an incredible “rush” or “high” feeling. Many shoplifters will tell you that this high is their “true reward,” rather than the merchandise itself.
  • Drug addicts, who have become addicted to shoplifting, describe shoplifting as equally addicting as drugs.
  • 57 percent of adults and 33 percent of juveniles say it is hard for them to stop shoplifting even after getting caught.
  • Most non-professional shoplifters don’t commit other types of crimes. They’ll never steal an ashtray from your house and will return to you a $20 bill you may have dropped. Their criminal activity is restricted to shoplifting and therefore, any rehabilitation program should be “offense-specific” for this crime.
  • Habitual shoplifters steal an average of 1.6 times per week.

Similar to others in the security realm, retail loss prevention professionals must work closely together with store personnel.  They are also directly involved with the stores customers.  If either the store personnel or customer is responsible for a theft from the retail business the loss prevention professional must use great care, dignity and their trained professionalism to remedy the situation.  Accusing someone of theft, dishonesty or even carelessness is a very delicate manner and should not be taken lightly.  Because of this, I will continue to post more discussions about this topic in the future.  But for now, here are some things to ask and be aware of before hiring a trained retail loss prevention professional:

  • Make sure that this company plans to reviews with you your current loss prevention policies and procedures, store layout and how your merchandise is arranged, physical security measures, typical problem areas, current employee procedures and training, and your apprehension policies and training.
  • After the review, the loss prevention company should develop a plan that is custom to every minute detail of your retail business.  They should give you a comprehensive plan that includes not only employee training but also the installation or upgrade of a security system.  They should give you a plan that covers every aspect of your business – from the front registers to the back offices.  Every stone should be turned.
  • Be sure to understand how this company would handle apprehending a shoplifter.  You want to make sure you are protected legally if the worst possible scenario occurs such as the shoplifter being seriously injured or even dying during or after the apprehension.  What kind of force does the loss prevention company use?  Do they use handcuffs, chemical sprays, etc.?  What happens if the individual runs?  What happens if the retail loss prevention employee is injured during the incident?
  • Make sure you understand your legal responsibilities and that you have all the appropriate liability insurances that will protect you.  Do the same for your potential loss prevention company.  Talk with your legal counsel and insurance adjuster about your coverage as well as the coverage of the company you are looking to hire.  Have your attorney review their security plan for you to be sure they are not working against any laws.

 

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