Police have suggested that the installation of cameras on the exterior of mini-marts facing out onto the road would help police with their investigations should the mini-marts be targetted.
Several mini-marts have been robbed in Phuket, including this recent case in Patong. Two other cases were also reported in Chalong.
During the meeting at Chalong Police Station, Superintendent of Chalong Police, Pol Col Sirisak Wasasiri, said most mini-marts have CCTV cameras inside, but not outside the stores where they were also helpful.
CCTV footage was instrumental in helping to identify thieves and their vehicles, and also view their escape routes, he said.
Authorities also found many CCTV cameras around the island, which were funded by authorities, were not functioning. Police said the budget for new cameras was limited, so they hoped business owners would install them for their own benefit.
Pol Col Sirisak also encouraged high quality CCTV cameras to be installed, which would help capture better images.
He also encouraged mini-mart operators to employ male staff during the night shift, as police found thieves were more likely to target mini-marts where a female staff member was in charge at night.