A reader contains a housing with a window having a peripheral rim. The housing has a device for reading coded information which generates a field projecting through the window towards the outside of the housing, and has a device for visually indicating the result to a user. The visual indication device generates an indication appearing substantially at least on the window, on a portion of the peripheral rim of the window, or on a portion of the housing adjoining laterally the peripheral rim of the window. The housing portion is at least on the left side, right side, or below the window. Additionally, a camera based checkout security system includes at least a checkout security camera and a fixed position reader of coded information. The checkout security camera generates a camera field of view directed towards the window of the fixed position reader of coded information.