Shop and Retail CCTV in Logan

Four cameras that do most of the work

The entrance camera is the most important one in any shop. Mounted at about head height and facing people as they walk in, it gets a clear face of everyone who enters, which is what police need. The counter camera goes above and slightly behind the register to show hands, goods and cash. The stockroom camera covers the area where stock is stored and staff come and go. The rear door camera watches the door most after-hours break-ins use.

Takeaways and cafes often add a camera over the kitchen pass or the drive-through window. Larger stores add aisle cameras and one over high value lines like phones, vapes, alcohol or tools.

Shopping centre or strip shop

Logan has big centres, such as Logan Hyperdome at Shailer Park, Grand Plaza at Browns Plains and Logan Central Plaza, along with strip shops on Kingston Road, Wembley Road, Beenleigh’s main street and suburban shopping blocks everywhere. Inside a centre, centre management usually has to approve the work and it often has to happen outside trading hours. Strip shops and standalone stores are generally simpler, with roof access and fewer rules.

A screen at the door

A monitor near the entrance showing live footage tells every customer they are on camera, before they have done anything. It is one of the cheapest deterrents in retail. It shows live view only, so nobody at the counter can scroll back through recordings.

Footage you can actually use

Shop problems are often discovered late, after a stocktake or a complaint. Record continuously and keep at least 30 days. When something happens, export the clip to a USB stick or your phone with the date and time intact, and you are shown how to do that on the day.

Staff, signs and privacy

Put signs at the entrance stating that the premises is under video surveillance, and tell staff in writing. Never put cameras in toilets or change rooms. Keep audio recording off, because Queensland’s Invasion of Privacy Act restricts recording private conversations. Businesses turning over more than $3 million a year, and some smaller ones, have extra obligations under the federal Privacy Act about how footage of customers is stored and used.

Access levels

The owner keeps the master account. Managers can review footage. Staff get live view only, or nothing at all. When someone leaves, their login is deleted and nobody else’s changes.

Questions people ask

How many cameras does a small shop need?

Four is a common start for a small shop: entrance, counter, stockroom and rear door. Larger floor areas add cameras for aisles and high value displays.

Can I check the shop from home after closing?

Yes. The app shows every camera live and lets you play back the day's footage from anywhere.

Should staff know where the cameras are?

Yes. Tell staff in writing what the cameras cover and why. It is good practice and avoids disputes.