| Small businesses face unique
challenges when dealing with security and loss prevention issues. Other
than the large national retailers, most retail businesses in the U.S.
are local and regionally based. While larger companies often employee
professional Security and Loss Prevention Managers, those running a
small or medium sized business are often forced serve as their own
security and loss prevention experts. Adding to the challenge, small
retail stores are among those at highest risk to experience losses from
Employee Theft, Shoplifting, and Workplace Violence. Small businesses
are financially vulnerable and can least afford a costly loss event.
The end result is that businesses which are at the highest risk, and are
the most financially vulnerable, often receive the lowest level of
professional attention in areas of security and loss prevention.
Combined, these factors often contribute to the financial failure of
many businesses.
Small business owners and managers frequently perform as their own
loss prevention experts to varying degrees of success. Physical and
electronic security services are usually hired out to alarm companies,
locksmiths, door companies, and other contractors. However, one
exception that has arisen in recent years is in the area of Closed
Circuit Television (CCTV). As video surveillance technology has
advanced and become more affordable, low-priced equipment has been
marketed toward small businesses as a “do-it yourself” (DIY) project. 
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