Practical Guide to Hiding a Video Camera & Electronic Surveillance

Installing a CCTV System Isn't Hard but Camera Placement is Key

No business owner wants to think that their employees are stealing from them but sadly it does happen. I was faced with a very serious situation a few years ago when body jewelry started missing at an alarming rate. One or two pieces a week could easily be chalked up to poor inventory control but when it was upwards of five pieces (or more) a day, I had to make a choice between discontinuing the body piercing side of the shop or installing some type of theft protection. For less than two hundred dollars and a few hours of my time I was able to install, on my own, a CCTV (closed circuit) system to see exactly what was going on when I was not around.

If you find yourself in the same situation you have a world of choices in regards to hidden cameras, microphones and anti theft protection. Knowing what areas are being stalked is your first priority as that is where you will have to place your focus. When I had to install the monitors I was at a loss. I had to deal with wires, glare, keeping things in focus and how to keep it a complete secrets, even from the manager that I trusted with my life. At that point in time, everyone was suspect and trust me, that is a sickening feeling.

The green light. Once you have determined that you want to use a CCTV set up you have to work out a budget for it, how information will be stored and if you are going to go ahead with a criminal prosecution. Placing cameras and monitors is the most important part of the task, without it you won't have the proof that you need to have some arrested and take the steps necessary to recover stolen property or funds. Here are some of the things that I learned through trial and error.

Make use of corners and items that have been in place for weeks. That pile of paper or boxes is a great place to hide a camera or monitor; since its been there for a while it won't look out of place.

Plan ahead and be a slob. If you think someone is stealing and they are acting a little paranoid, start arriving and leaving at different times. Likewise, move things around often; this is a great time to start leaving things in piles so you can hide a camera or microphone at a later time.