CCTV Systems Can Protect Your Business in Many Ways

If your business isn’t using a security system because you think it’s too expensive, it may be time to rethink your objections. While prices on CCTV systems has come down considerably over the past decade, that’s only one of the reasons that it just makes good business sense to install a CCTV security system to protect your business. Here are a few others.

Protect Your Business from Liability

When an accident happens on your business premises, your business could be held liable unless you can prove conclusively that it was not your fault. A CCTV camera trained on your entries, exits, parking lots and other areas where customers or employees might suffer an injury can provide the proof you need to successfully defend yourself in case of a lawsuit or insurance claim.

Protect Your Employees and Business from Unfounded Charges

When a customer accuses one of your employees of wrongdoing, video proof can help absolve him. It’s not unusual for customers in retail stores to claim they were given the wrong change or that a cashier or employee verbally or physically abused them. A surveillance camera at the point of sale can exonerate your employee and prove who was actually at fault or what really happened in a claimed altercation. That’s in addition to providing security footage for the police in case of a burglary or other crime.

Prevent Shoplifting and Other Crimes

Studies show that stores and other establishments with CCTV systems suffer less crime than those with no security systems. A visible security camera can warn would-be burglars and shoplifters off and protect your store from a hefty percentage of inventory due to shrinkage. Given a choice of stealing from a store with a security camera and one without, most thieves will move on to the softer target and leave the stores with CCTV systems alone.

Protect Employees’ Belongings

If your employees park their cars out of sight of the building, those cars are more prone to theft and vandalism than your customers’ cars, if for no other reason than that they’re parked there for hours at a time. A surveillance camera positioned to keep watch over the parking lot can help reduce vandalism and theft from your parking lot. Likewise, a security camera in the employee break room or other room where employees leave their belongings can help reduce employee theft.

CCTV systems are not only effective for deterring crime, such as shoplifting and burglary. They can also protect your business from other losses that are natural consequences of doing business in today’s world.

Home CCTV Systems Information and Advice

Most people in the US have become used to the idea that they are under the surveillance of CCTV systems when they shop or bank, and in many other public places. These days, however, you’re just as likely to encounter CCTV security system in private homes as many homeowners install CCTV camera systems to protect their homes from invasion and provide unexpected safety features for our families. In fact, according to one major electronics company, sales of home CCTV systems increased by more than 70% in some major US urban markets.

How People Use CCTV Systems

A major UK website surveyed its members not long ago and found that 2 percent already owned an installed CCTV system, and 9 percent were planning to install one in the next six months. Of those who already use a CCTV camera and recorder to monitor their property, 82 percent said they use it outside the house and 50 percent say they use their CCTV systems to monitor happenings inside the house.

CCTV and Legalities

If you’re planning to install a CCTV camera, check with your local law enforcement to find out if there are laws you must follow. In some areas, for example, it may be illegal to point your camera toward the street or other public space or at your neighbors’ homes or yards. Even if there are no laws against it, be mindful of privacy concerns unless you want to become a test case for new CCTV privacy laws.

Tips For Choosing Home CCTV Systems

Wireless systems offer a number of advantages, including flexibility and ease of installation. They also have some drawbacks that may make them impractical for your use. For example, the wireless signal from camera to recorder or display can suffer from interference with your cordless phone, your microwave or your router, and may be blocked by brickwork or metal objects.

If you’re placing your CCTV camera outside, make sure that you choose a weatherproof camera and position the camera where no one can tamper with it. Wireless cameras are not recommended for indoor use unless they use an encrypted signal because anyone nearby can intercept the signal if they have a compatible receiver.

Choosing the right CCTV camera and recording option can be a tricky process, but most websites and stores that sell CCTV systems have experts on hand who will help you narrow down your choices to those that work best for your needs and your budget. Take advantage of the expert advice to make sure that you get the best and most useful system for your money.