Five Reasons to Install a CCTV System

CCTV systems are among the most popular options for providing high-tech security in retail, hospitality and home settings. Small CCTV systems are very affordable, and the technology is advanced and simplified enough that many home or business owners can install their own security cameras and set up their own CCTV security system. While installation may be easy enough for the experienced do-it-yourself enthusiast, selecting the right CCTV system can be a bit more complicated. These questions and answers can help you choose among the many CCTV camera and security systems on the market.

What Do You Want It to Do?

Your choices about cameras, recording systems and just about everything else will depend upon one simple thing: what do you want your CCTV system to do? What do you hope to achieve by installing a CCTV camera and security system? In general, people purchase a security system for one or several of the following reasons:

Record Footage of Criminal Activity

Recorded security footage is invaluable in helping to stop shoplifting and vandalism and useful in helping police investigation. Depending on the quality of the video recorded, CCTV systems can also be instrumental in securing a conviction.

Reduce Shrinkage

Shrinkage is one of the most constant overhead expenses for any business. A security camera is useful in capturing the identity of customers who leave a restaurant without paying or drive off without coming in to pay for their gasoline purposes. A recorded security video can provide the information needed to hold the thieves responsible.

Monitor Staff

Most business owners are amazed to find out just how much shrinkage and loss is the direct result of employee theft, inefficiency and waste. A CCTV security system allows managers and business owners to monitor staff when they’re not on the premises. If you’re planning to install a security camera system to monitor staff, be sure to check the laws regarding surveillance camera placement and any required notifications in your state or province.

Protect from Liability

The hospitality industry and retail industries are frequently targeted by scam artists who hope to make a quick buck with a slip-and-fall accident or by accusing employees of wrongdoing. A CCTV system can help you prove or disprove the truth about allegations in this type of legal issue. A system that watermarks the recorded footage with the time and date can be especially useful in these cases.

Reduce Insurance Costs

Nearly all insurers will provide healthy discounts to business and home owners that secure their premises with CCTV systems. CCTV security helps reduce loss and enables investigation into possible insurance claims. That reduces the likelihood of false claims, which makes insurance companies happy. When they’re happy, they charge you less money.

Once you have a good idea of the reasons you want to install a CCTV system, you’ll be able to lay out your needs to a salesperson or consultant who can help you choose the right security cameras and recording system for your needs.