Running a c-store means constantly balancing speed, safety, and service — and that’s no small task. With multiple locations, high employee turnover, and daily cash handling, surveillance is no longer optional — it’s essential. By focusing your cameras on these seven high-impact areas, you’ll gain critical visibility into your store’s most vulnerable spots—reducing loss, protecting your team, and creating a safer environment for everyone.
Why Use Security Cameras in C-Stores?
Some c-store owners may not see the value of security cameras and neglect to install them. But this could not be farther from the truth. Theft and liability risks are real… and costly:
- Losses due to shoplifting average 1.7% of all gross sales
- Shoplifting accounts for about 33% of all total inventory shrinkage (damage, loss, employee theft, expiration, etc., are all other reasons for inventory shrinkage)
- 33.1% of total inventory shrinkage is employee theft (which is not classified as shoplifting) (Blue Water Credit)
With the right camera coverage, you’re not just watching — you’re protecting your bottom line.
The 7 Key Locations C-Store Owners Must Monitor
Customer safety, food safety, employee safety, theft, and security are the five essential risk categories c-stores must monitor. Of these, safety and security are paramount. Security cameras give you a visual record of any potential safety and security hazards before they become a liability. Security cameras can also help identify and stop instances of employee theft, operational inefficiency, or inappropriate customer interactions.
Installing security cameras in the locations below will give you the most effective visibility into the daily activities at your c-store and will result in a more effective and profitable business.
1. The Safe
Why it matters: Cash handling areas are ground zero for internal theft.
Camera benefit: Investigate voids, double-check deposits, and reinforce accountability.
Risk: Theft/Fraud
2. The Office
Why it matters: This is where sensitive conversations and decisions happen, and sometimes misconduct.
Camera benefit: Deter inappropriate behavior, protect employees, and support HR decisions.
Risk: Security, Employee Safety, Theft/Fraud
3. Bathroom Hallways/Entrances/Exits
Why it matters: Slips, falls, and misconduct often occur just outside restrooms.
Camera benefit: Document incidents and improve response times.
Risk: Customer/Employee Safety
4. The Drink Station
Why it matters: Spill zones are lawsuit magnets.
Camera benefit: Monitor cleanup compliance and reduce injury claims.
Risk: Customer/Employee Safety
5. The Back Door
Why it matters: The #1 risk point for after-hours incidents, theft, and unauthorized exits.
Camera benefit: Deter robberies, monitor deliveries, and secure inventory.
Risk: Employee Safety, Security
6. The Walk-In Cooler
Why it matters: Unseen doesn’t mean safe — coolers are hotspots for shrink and food safety risks.
Camera benefit: Catch misconduct, identify energy waste, and prevent spoilage.
Risk: Employee safety, Food Safety, Security, Theft/Fraud
7. POS Line
Why it matters: Most customer disputes happen here, and this is where perception becomes liability.
Camera benefit: Confirm transactions, protect employees, and resolve complaints with confidence.
Risk: Customer Safety, Theft/Fraud
Better Visibility in Your C-Store = Better Decisions
Security cameras don’t just help you catch theft — they help you prevent it. By monitoring the right areas and acting on what you see, you can reduce shrink, protect your team, and run a more profitable store.
Surveillance is more than a safety measure — it’s a smart business investment.
For a c-store doing $2 million in annual sales, reducing shrink from 4% to 2% could mean $40,000 in savings each year. Most retail video systems pay for themselves in just a few months. (Back Street Surveillance)
Looking to upgrade your video coverage across multiple locations?
Click here to discover how Envysion’s cloud-connected video solution can simplify your loss prevention strategy.