How to Protect Your Shop from Theft Using CCTV (Singapore Business Guide)

How to Protect Your Shop from Theft Using CCTV in Singapore | Business Security Guide 2025

🚨 Why CCTV Matters for Businesses in Singapore

Threats like:

  • Shoplifting by customers

  • Employee pilferage

  • After-hours break-ins

  • Cash register tampering

…can silently eat into your profits—and often go unnoticed until it’s too late.

According to SME owners in Singapore, even petty theft of $50–$100 per day adds up to over $36,000 a year in losses. And that’s before considering damage or insurance claims.

Common retail theft issues in Singapore: shoplifting and internal theft


✅ Solution: Install a Professional CCTV System

Installing a CCTV system is one of the most cost-effective ways to prevent theft and strengthen operational control.

With the right setup, you’ll get:

✔️ Visual deterrence – Most shoplifters won’t take the risk
✔️ Real-time alerts via mobile app
✔️ HD recordings of incidents
✔️ Evidence for police, insurers, and investigations
✔️ Employee accountability and productivity improvement

CCTV system recording footage with mobile app access for real-time monitoring

 


🎯 Business Use-Cases & CCTV Solutions

🏪 Retail & Shopfronts

Common Threats:

  • Shoplifting

  • Cash register theft

  • Fake refunds or voids

CCTV Solution:

  • Cameras at entrances/exits, POS counters, aisles

  • 30-day video storage

  • Mobile alerts for suspicious activity

💰 Cost Estimate: SGD $1,200 – $2,500
📦 Included: 4–6 cameras, POS coverage, PDPA-compliant signage, mobile app access, HD clarity


🍽️ F&B Outlets / Cafés

Common Threats:

  • Cash theft

  • Walkouts

  • Kitchen/store theft

  F&B outlet CCTV installation with kitchen cameras 

CCTV Solution:

  • Counter cameras

  • Kitchen and storeroom coverage

  • Dining area monitoring with wide-angle lenses

💰 Cost Estimate: SGD $1,300 – $2,800
📦 Included: Food-safe indoor cameras, night vision, PDPA signage, secure recording, app integration


🏢 Offices & Clinics

Common Threats:

  • Laptop or device theft

  • Document tampering

  • Disputes or harassment incidents

Office security cameras for theft prevention

CCTV Solution:

  • Lobby, hallway, and storage room monitoring

  • Optional meeting room entrance cameras

  • Integration with access control systems (if needed)

💰 Cost Estimate: SGD $1,800 – $3,200
📦 Included: 6–12 cameras, indoor HD setup, staff entry tracking, mobile app access


🏭 Warehouses & Logistics

Common Threats:

  • Goods theft during loading/unloading

  • Unauthorized access

  • Inventory manipulation

Warehouse CCTV surveillance system Singapore

CCTV Solution:

  • Perimeter surveillance with weatherproof cameras

  • Loading bay and storage rack monitoring

  • Motion-detection alerts for after-hours activity

💰 Cost Estimate: SGD $2,500 – $5,000+
📦 Included: 8–16+ cameras, remote access, 10TB+ secure storage, mobile alerts

 


📱 Monitor Your Shop Remotely

Modern CCTV systems come with cloud access and mobile apps, so you can:

  • Watch live feeds 24/7

  • Review suspicious incidents

  • Get push alerts on motion detection

  • Share clips for reports or insurance

Whether you’re at home or overseas, your shop is always within reach.


🧠 Choosing the Right CCTV System for Your Shop

Setup Type Typical Camera Count Estimated Cost (SGD) What’s Included
Retail / Shopfront 4–6 cameras $1,200 – $2,500 POS coverage, PDPA signage, app access, HD clarity
F&B / Cafés 4–6 cameras $1,300 – $2,800 Kitchen-safe cams, wide angles, app integration
Offices / Clinics 6–12 cameras $1,800 – $3,200 Reception & storage coverage, staff entry tracking
Warehouses 8–16+ cameras $2,500 – $5,000+ Long-range outdoor view, loading bay and inventory monitoring

Note: Final pricing varies by your shop layout and specific camera types. AIDC Technology offers a free, non-obligatory onsite survey to tailor the perfect CCTV system for your business.


✅ Business CCTV Checklist (Singapore)

Use this checklist to prepare for a smooth installation and operation:

Item Description
📹 Coverage Plan Map out key risk areas: POS, entrances, stockrooms, cash registers
⚖️ Legal Compliance Display CCTV signs; avoid private areas like toilets and staff-only zones
🔒 Data Security Use encrypted storage and password-protected apps
☁️ Cloud Access Choose mobile app or cloud viewing for live remote monitoring
🔊 Audio Recording Optional — ensure compliance with PDPA regulations
🛠️ Professional Setup Hire certified installers for proper wiring, camera angles, and support
🧾 MCST / URA Approval For commercial units in mixed-use buildings, check with building management
🧑‍💻 Playback Storage Ensure at least 7–30 days of footage retention with secure NVR or cloud backup

 

💡 Pro Tips to Maximise Your CCTV System

  • Install visible signage to deter potential thieves

  • Combine CCTV with motion sensor lighting for improved night-time security

  • Enable mobile alerts for motion detection after hours

  • Assign user access levels—limit who can view or export footage

  • Integrate with burglar alarms or smart locks for advanced protection


👷 Why Businesses Trust AIDC Technology

  • ✅ Free, no-obligation site survey across Singapore

  • ✅ Professional-grade installations for all business types

  • ✅ Support with PDPA compliance, signage, and setup

  • ✅ Local team, trusted by SMEs, clinics, and retailers

  • ✅ Mobile-friendly systems with clear HD video


📍 Book Your FREE On-Site Survey Today

Protect your business the smart, legal way. Whether you run a retail store, café, office, or warehouse—we’ll tailor the right CCTV system for your needs.

📞 Call us: +65 67400255
📧 Email: sales@aidc.com.sg
🔗 Schedule your free survey now

Related Reading:
👉 How to Install a CCTV System Legally in Singapore (2025 Update)

FAQ

While DIY installation is possible, a professional installer ensures proper camera placement, wiring, and reliable setup—especially for business or large properties.

Yes, most CCTV systems offer mobile apps or cloud services that let you view live or recorded footage from anywhere using your phone.

Yes, most modern cameras come with infrared (IR) night vision or color night vision. Always check the night vision range (e.g. 10m–30m).

Most systems stop recording during power cuts unless they are connected to a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) or backup battery. For critical setups, it’s recommended to have backup power.

As of 2024, most HDB flats no longer require approval for corridor-facing CCTV, as long as it does not capture neighbours’ private areas.

Yes, if your shop is located in a commercial condo or mall, you may need MCST or landlord approval, especially for exterior cameras.

You can start with a free on-site survey by contacting a licensed provider. This helps ensure the setup fits your layout and budget. Reach out to AIDC Technology at +65 6740 0255 or email sales@aidc.com.sg to schedule a no-obligation visit.

Most systems store footage for 7 to 30 days, but this depends on your business needs and the storage capacity of your NVR or cloud system.

A basic home CCTV system typically costs between $600 and $1,300 for 2 to 4 cameras, depending on the camera type and installation scope.

Commercial CCTV systems usually range from $1,200 to $5,000+, depending on the number of cameras, layout, and storage requirements.

Yes, CCTV is commonly used in retail stores. You should notify customers that recording is in place using signs at entry points.

Key features include HD clarity, night vision, mobile access, motion alerts, and secure video storage.

CCTV signage should be visible and placed at entry points to inform people they are being recorded.

DVRs (Digital Video Recorders) work with analog cameras, while NVRs (Network Video Recorders) are used with IP cameras and offer better resolution and remote access.

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