Most small shops need 4 to 6 CCTV cameras. That typically covers the entrance, till area, shop floor, stock room, and rear exit. The exact number depends on your layout, the number of entry points, and what your insurance requires.
The entrance camera is the most important. It captures everyone who walks in and gives you a clear facial image for identification. This should be positioned at head height or angled to catch faces as people enter, not a wide overhead shot from the ceiling.
The till area needs its own camera. At Doberman, we always position this to cover transactions, disputes, and internal theft. It should show the counter, the till, and the hands of anyone being served. Insurance companies often specifically require till coverage.
Shop floor cameras cover the aisles and display areas where shoplifting happens. A single wide-angle camera from a rear corner can cover a small shop floor. Larger or L-shaped layouts may need two.
The stock room and rear exit are often overlooked but matter for both theft and insurance. A camera covering the back door and stock area closes the loop on internal access points.
If the shop has an external shutter or forecourt, an additional outdoor camera covering the frontage is worth considering. It captures activity before anyone enters and deters smash-and-grab attempts.
Doberman designs shop CCTV systems around these priorities during a free site survey. We check your layout, identify what your insurer requires, and recommend positions that give you usable footage - not just wide-angle coverage that cannot identify anyone.