In traditional surveillance systems, different types of cameras play different types of roles. Wall-mounted and bullet cameras are used for detail shots - getting specific information like facial features on persons of interest, for example. Dome cameras are for getting an overall glance at a store's sales floor or the main area of an office. The Axis 215PTZ network camera, available mid-June, may change all of this forever.

Eighteen year old Kelsey Smith has been missing since the evening of Saturday, June 2. Overland Park, KS law enforcement have used the traditional methods of looking for a missing person - canvassing, search parties, and offering rewards. But this time, feed from a surveillance camera inside a Target store may help find Kelsey quicker than before.

Retail loss, or shrinkage, is a huge problem for retail stores of all shapes and sizes. A survey conducted in 2005 showed that retailers lost 37.4 billion due to theft over the course of that year. It's quite common for retail stores to utilize video surveillance to effectively prevent instances of shoplifting and theft from both outsiders and employees, however the numbers show that there is certainly room for improvement in the way the surveillance is utilized.

Enter Cisco Systems.

Two would-be robbers in Dalian City, China have learned a valuable lesson - never go back to the scene of the crime. As alluring as it may be, there will always be trouble awaiting. These two 21 year olds learned the hard way - they were arrested by the police.

Stealing a security camera is one of the more foolish moves a robber can pull. Turning around and running away is probably a better option. Reason being, the camera itself does not typically store the recorded footage. In the case of IP cameras, video footage is transmitted across a network and stored digitally on a server, hard drive, or network video recorder. While analog surveillance cameras transmit video which is recorded and archived on cassette tapes. Anyone who attempts to tamper with or steal a security camera is going to show up on the recordings, and it's quite possible that someone will even be watching the scene unfold live. A recent incident involving a skate shop in Indianapolis provides us with a good example of how even a stolen camera can stop thieves in their tracks and help turn them in.

Intrepid employees at a Wood Village, OR Papa Murphy's restaurant helped end a two-week robbing spree - by fingering the thief after he tried to rob their store again. Thanks to a combination of physical evidence on surveillance cameras, the suspect's license plate number and some quick thinking, Papa Murphy's employees identified Robert James Peart as the thief who had struck their store, as well as several other pizza chains and tanning salons in the days since October 21.

Following a homicide last month involving a mother and a daughter, the Town Center in Boca Raton, Fla. is pushing hard for a major video surveillance upgrade. While plans were already in the works to add more security cameras, the recent tragedy further highlights the importance of enhanced video security. Mall officials are now pursuing a full-scale video surveillance system to monitor the entire exterior of the Town Center mall.

We've all heard the saying, "I couldn't give that thing away if I tried," right? Well, a Salvation Army thrift store in Juneau, Alaska wants to make sure you do, in fact, hold onto that thing. Fed up with late-night dumping of unwanted donations, the store has installed a three-camera surveillance system to monitor its exterior. Before the cameras were installed, store workers were forced to spend countless hours cleaning up piles of useless junk each morning, and the shop was being charged $500 to $800 a month disposing the unsalvageable items at the city landfill.

Panasonic has developed a new integrated solution that combines video surveillance and Point of Sale (POS) systems onto a single platform. The result is Virtual Site Manager (VSM), a software-drive solution for organizations running retail sales operations. The software couples recorded video with POS workstation data for a complete record of financial transactions and interactions between customers and cashiers.

A 47-year old man now faces criminal charges for driving his silver SUV into, and through, a shopping mall in Augusta, GA. The incident occurred when Stephen Lowe, apparently upset after a feud with his wife, decided the best way to cool his jets would be to essentially recreate a famous chase scene from The Blues Brothers. Mall security cameras were on hand to capture his voyage. Those images are now being used to book Lowe on criminal charges for his inexcusable, and inexplicable, behavior.

New Jersey's Livingston Mall recently installed a sophisticated video surveillance system that includes IQeye megapixel IP cameras from IQinVision. The cameras are strategically placed inside the mall, at outside entrances, and in the parking lot. The system operates on a wireless mesh network, which adds flexibility, and enables not only mall security personnel, but also the Livingston Police Department to access the cameras remotely. Eventually, the live video feeds will also be made available to LPD police cruisers responding to incidents and patrolling the area.

Supermarkets and other retail outlets face daily threats of shoplifting, not only from "customers," but also employees. In addition, there is the potential for internal fraud, credit card fraud, robberies, and violent confrontations. Christian Supermarket, located in Argentina, provides us with an example of how a store can better protect itself with an IP-based surveillance system. The store recently installed 10 Vivotek network cameras to monitor entrances, loading areas, public areas, the parking lot, and point-of-sale transactions.

The La Praille shopping mall in Geneva has installed a comprehensive surveillance system that features over 100 IP cameras from Axis Communications. The new security camera system will help to prevent unwanted activity such as vandalism, property damage, theft, and pick-pocketing.

A recent study conducted by IMS Research indicates the retailers in Europe are really starting to warm up to the idea of IP-based surveillance as a superior alternative to analog CCTV systems. The growth in popularity of IP cameras for the retail market has to do with a number of factors, including lower installation costs, and exciting features such as video analytics that can serve additional functions beyond video security.

The Golf Mill Shopping Center in Niles, Ill. is no ordinary mall. This thing spreads out over a million square feet. Imagine how many Orange Julius stands you could fit in there? Now imagine the challenge of rigging the facility for video surveillance. After much research and debate, it was determined that the best way to provide video security for this massive complex was to use IP cameras operating across a wireless mesh network, the same type of network that's being employed for municipal surveillance in a number of U.S. cities.

Axis IP cameras will soon be installed in 350 Ardene retail stores across Canada. Ardene is a popular fashion accessory retailer specializing in jewelry, clothing, footwear, and more. By implementing a new video surveillance solution, the company hopes to reduce shrinkage throughout its stores. Shoplifting is a major concern, especially in the jewelry department, because the items are small and easy to conceal. Another key concern is securing the areas where transactions take place. The Axis cameras will work to deter shoplifting, provide visual evidence of theft, and will also be used for merchandising and marketing purposes.

Manchester's Wythenshawe Shopping Center has made the move from analog CCTV to IP-based surveillance by way of IndigoVision network cameras. The upgraded mall surveillance system offers numerous benefits including remote video monitoring, digital storage, fast searching capabilities, and easy scalability if new cameras need to be added or repositioned.

Netto, a Swedish supermarket chain, has turned to network cameras and IP video management software from Milestone Systems to help curtail robberies, theft, and shrinkage in its retail stores. The supermarkets were using analog CCTV systems, where surveillance footage was stored on video tapes. With the new IP-based surveillance equipment in place, Netto is hoping to take advantage of the technology's many benefits and cut down on those pesky issues which all retailers must face.

Axis network cameras will soon provide video surveillance for Austria's largest grocery chain, SPAR. The cameras will be used in 750 existing SPAR stores, with between 10 and 15 Axis IP cameras installed in each retail location. Each store surveillance system will feature a combination of Axis 207 and Axis 207MW camera models.

ABI Research has released a new report that showcases some of the other areas where video surveillance can help both the retail and transportation sectors beyond just security. While security cameras are now commonplace in transportation areas such as airports, train stations, subways and buses, some of the overlooked benefits of these cameras include their ability to document accidents, gauge commuter travel patterns, and even disprove false injury claims.

KIWI minipris, a Norwegian discount store chain, is employing ACTi network cameras to provide video security for its new stores opening in Denmark. 10 ACTi ACM-4200 cameras are installed in each store, along with two ACTi ACM-5611 megapixel cameras. The surveillance setup works to increase the level of security, deter theft, and identify suspects in criminal investigations. Key areas monitored by the system include entrances, corners of the store, aisles between display lanes, and the cashier counter.

IQinvision network cameras are proving to be quite popular in the Netherlands, specifically in Rotterdam, where the company reports at least 20 downtown shops are now using IQeye megapixel cameras. Area shopkeepers and local police are working together on a video security system that allows the police department to remotely monitor the IQeye cameras and access surveillance footage in instances of theft or emergencies. The surveillance system was launched in response to an increase in robberies throughout the commercial district. Response to the program has been so positive that the police department even won a Dutch innovation award for the deployment of the IQeye camera network.

Co.op Mart is a popular supermarket chain based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The supermarket was looking for a video surveillance upgrade that would enhance security levels against shoplifting and robberies, while also allowing for centralized management and remote monitoring. By installing a network-based solution that uses Vivotek IP cameras, Co.op Mart was able meet these surveillance requirements, utilizing the network cameras for a variety of applications from security to researching customer behavior trends.

Popular Swedish retailer Lidl is in the process of upgrading the video security systems in its stores from analog to IP-based surveillance. The new video security systems feature network cameras from Axis Communications. Each store will have 18-20 IP cameras monitoring entrances and exits, cash areas, shop surfaces, and restricted areas where customers don't have access. Lidl chose the Axis 209FD Network Camera and the Axis 221 Day & Night Network Camera for the video surveillance upgrade. Each network camera supports Power over Ethernet and connects seamlessly into Lidl's existing IT infrastructure.

Oscar Cerami, an Italian retailer specializing in ceramics and pottery, has unique needs in terms of video surveillance. The main concern for this chain of stores is having enough image detail to closely monitor very small objects. To meet this requirement, Oscar Cerami chose an IP surveillance solution that incorporates ACTi megapixel network cameras.

Video surveillance is more important than ever, especially in light of the results of the National Retail Security Survey released this week. According to the survey which showed preliminary results from 2008, the rate of retail theft has increased for the first time in six years. The lowest rate was reported in 2007 at 1.44 percent of retail sales, 2008 saw the number increase to 1.52 percent, a $36.5 billion loss.

Portugal's massive Palacio Do Gelo shopping complex is now being monitored by an IP-based surveillance system featuring 200 Sony network cameras. All in all, the shopping facility includes hundreds of shops and restaurants, a theater, and a supermarket. That's a lot of ground to cover. The Sony network cameras are part of an integrated solution that combines video surveillance, digital signage, and a public address system, all operating along the same IP infrastructure.

Tall Weijl, a global clothing retailer based in Switzerland, is installing 800 Axis network cameras in its stores throughout France, Switzerland, Germany and Austria. What's interesting about this surveillance solution is that it has less to do with security, and more with studying customer behavior. Each store will be equipped with two Axis IP cameras integrated into a sophisticated system that counts the number of visitors passing through.

The Douglas Village Shopping Center in Cork County, Ireland has installed a new IP surveillance system featuring network cameras from Axis and Milestone XProtect video management software. The goal of the system is to not only improve security, but also help the shopping center to better manage its operations and improve customer service. Milestone XProtect Enterprise open-platform software provides the center with a platform for integration with video analytics, access control, intercoms, and a sophisticated parking system.

United Supermarkets, a chain of 28 grocery stores throughout North and West Texas, has turned to OnSSI software to help manage footage from IP network security cameras recently installed in each of its stores. Each supermarket has been equipped with megapixel IP cameras that provide high-resolution video images of cash registers and guest service areas, along with outdoor network cameras to monitor loading docks and parking lots.

Goodwill Industries locations in Illinois are turning to Axis IP cameras and Milestone software to help manage loss prevention, increase security, and improve employee training. The IP-based surveillance solution features Axis HDTV network cameras operating with Milestone XProtect Professional IP video software. Goodwill Industries is a nonprofit retail and social service organization that sells donated goods in an effort to support their mission. The organization's primary goal in installing the new surveillance system is to reduce the amount of theft, not just from outsiders, but also employees. While shoplifting is a big problem, internal theft accounts for close to 48 percent of the organization's losses.

A renowned Brazilian jewelry store chain installed Vivotek network cameras in several of its stores. The high-end retail company’s aim is two-fold: to protect against theft of its valuable merchandise, and to improve customer relations with recorded video and audio of interaction between sales and clients.

Spanish fashion clothing company TRUCCO uses Axis 215 PTZ network cameras to monitor its 170 stores. The boutique chain also uses people counting software that integrates seamlessly without requiring the use of PC computers. The system allows users at the company headquarters to track shopping traffic in effort to optimize store layouts and promotions. Additionally, it allows remote viewing of point of sales displays, decorations and customer service.

A recent study sponsored by Axis and conducted by the Loss Prevention Research Council (LPRC) found that 87% of retailers who currently use CCTV analog technology for surveillance in their retail stores are considering making the switch to IP cameras. Loss prevention executives from 49 national and regional retail companies answered questions about their current use of surveillance technology, their feelings about the overall impact of surveillance on loss prevention, and their thoughts about analog vs. IP surveillance systems.

Taiwan is home to one of Asia's largest retail centers. Dream Mall boasts more than 2,000 stores and restaurants, as well as a movie theater and a roof-top amusement park. In addition, it has a parking lot capable of accommodating 3,000 cars. The challenge of securing such a large and versatile property requires reliable, cutting edge technology. Accordingly, Dream Mall managers opted to go with QNAP network video recorders to manage 600 Panasonic cameras.

As easy targets for theft and robbery, retail stores are ideal candidates for video surveillance. Implementing a retail security camera system can go a long way to helping protect customers, merchandise, and profits from theft and vandalism. Security cameras are used in a wide variety of retail environments including convenience stores, shopping malls, pawn shops, restaurants, car dealerships and more.

Using network-based people counting is a smart tool that proves particularly beneficial in retail settings. People counting is a feature built in to several Axis cameras that can be managed remotely over a network.

Whether you have a fashion boutique or a gas station, monitoring your retail operation offers benefits far beyond just loss prevention. Security video can be used in a multitude of ways to increase productivity, safety and sales. Here are a few tips for maximizing the benefits of retail video surveillance.

In order for retailers to protect themselves against threat, they must be proactive about it by improving their loss prevent efforts. Shoplifting and employee/internal theft are undoubtedly the two most common theft practices. However, it's extremely important for retailers to be made aware of other theft practices happening today, especially crimes that may work against one’s current security system. Grab-and-go theft, flash mob robs, or flash robs have become the theft du jour. Based on previous crime reports, these acts tend to be committed by large groups of young adults who storm retail stores – usually department stores or convenience stores – and stuff pockets or bags with merchandise in a matter of minutes, if not seconds.

Organized retail theft poses a serious threat to all retailers. Retail losses from organized retail crime range between $15 billion and $37 billion annually. Shoplifting, cargo theft, return fraud, and flash robs are all examples of organized retail theft.

According to a 2011 study conducted by the National Retail Federation, organized retail crime occurred most often in the following cities: Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, and Phoenix.

Slip and fall fraud is big business. The fraudulent injury rose 12% in 2011 according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau. Please note that we’re referring to the slip and fall injury when it occurs on purpose. Unfortunately slip and falls do happen to innocent individuals who have no intention of exploiting their employers for their injuries. But with slip and fall fraud, it’s the exact opposite.

As he was led out of the courtroom, Richard Lavern Remington had one last thing to say to Safeway officials after he was banned from the store for life and ordered by Judge Youlee Yim You to pay $20,000 for the crimes he committed: "I’ll be back!"