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.

Four Things to Know About CCTV Systems

If you’re in the market for a security or surveillance system, CCTV systems are your best option. Choosing the right CCTV system, however, isn’t always easy. There’s a lot of lingo and technical jargon that can make it difficult to understand exactly what you’re getting. Understanding some of these important facts can help you make the best choice of CCTV security systems for your home or business.

A Wired CCTV System Is More Secure than Wireless

While wireless surveillance systems offer a lot of flexibility and convenience, wired CCTV systems are more secure against intrusion. On a wireless system, a skilled hacker can figure out how to log onto your server and monitor or alter your feeds. While the chances of that happening are generally low, it can be a legitimate concern if you don’t want others watching what happens on your property.

A Wireless Security Camera Offers More Flexibility

On the other side of the argument, a wireless surveillance camera gives you a lot more flexibility than most wired CCTV systems. You can place the camera anywhere you want as long as it’s within transmission range of the receiver without worrying about wires showing to give the location or the presence of the camera away. If your intent is to do covert surveillance – and you should be aware of the laws that govern the use of covert surveillance camera systems – then a wireless system is probably a better choice for you.

The Video Resolution Determines How Much Detail Your CCTV Camera Records

The video resolution of your security camera determines the level of detail that your security videos see and record. Higher resolution cameras provide more detail, but take up more memory space on your DVDs or hard drive. A high resolution surveillance camera will also be more expensive, so weigh your priorities carefully. If you want the kind of detail you see on “CSI” or “Criminal Minds,” you’ll pay a hefty price for it. If you’ve got no reason to blow up a screen capture 350 times to count the fly specks on a windshield, a very high-res camera is probably a waste of your money.

Your CCTV Camera, Monitor and Recorder Must All Be Compatible

There are several different standards in use by the CCTV industry and it’s easy to get confused by them. If you’re not careful, you could end up with a security camera that won’t talk to your receiver or your monitor. If you’re unsure, a professional at a CCTV security store can help you with your decision.

CCTV systems provide your home or business with an unparalleled level of security. Make sure you understand what you’re buying before you make your purchase.

Four Ways That CCTV Systems Can Improve Your Security

CCTV systems used to be an expensive alternative to security systems for retail and home use, but technology has brought the price for high-quality CCTV systems well within the range of nearly any business owner. If you’re looking for a way to improve the security in your shop, store or other business, consider these advantages and benefits of using a security camera and CCTV system to monitor and safeguard your property.

Round the Clock CCTV Monitoring Keeps Your Property Safe

Indoors or out, security cameras provide round-the-clock monitoring for your property. An obviously mounted CCTV camera serves as a deterrent to would-be thieves and vandals, who will frequently bypass a protected property to find easier pickings. If you combine a CCTV security system with active monitoring, you’ll have immediate notification when something goes wrong at your business. Even if you opt out of round-the-clock monitoring, your security camera will still record what’s happening. You can review the recordings in the morning and store them in case they’re needed for evidence.

Outside and Indoor Security Cameras Protect Your Employees

Mount a security camera to monitor remote parking areas or storage rooms to provide oversight and protection to employee cars and employee safety when they’re working in remote areas. Protecting your employees and their property will have the fortunate side effect of increasing productivity.

Protect Your Store from False Lawsuits

While most people consider CCTV security systems to be loss prevention tools, they can also serve to protect you and your employees from false lawsuits. Your security cameras can provide the evidence you need to stop a fake slip-and-fall lawsuit in its tracks, or back up an employee involved in an altercation with a customer.

Reduce Loss Due to Employee Theft of All Kinds

No one likes to think his employees may be cheating him, but it’s an unfortunate fact of many businesses. As night life expert Jon Taffer shows week after week on “Bar Rescue”, employees often take advantage of the business owner – often without even realizing they’re doing it. CCTV systems can monitor your employees and help you pinpoint loss, wasted movements and inefficiency. Once you find the problems, you can address them and improve your bottom line.

When CCTV systems are so inexpensive and can save you so much trouble and cost, installing security cameras and CCTV security systems is one of the best business decisions you can make.

CCTV systems keep your eyes everywhere

If you run an entertainment venue, you know how hard it can be to have eyes on everything that might happen. CCTV systems are among the best ways to put more eyes in areas that need the most surveillance. Choosing the right surveillance camera, monitor and recording options for your CCTV systems can be confusing unless you plan out your needs ahead of time. When you know what you expect from your CCTV system, you can choose the features you want and need.

How Many Areas?

The first thing you need to decide is how many security cameras you’ll need based on the number and size of the areas you need to cover. Think strategically. Ideally, you’d be able to provide total surveillance camera coverage of your entire club (with the exception of those areas the law prohibits you from placing surveillance cameras), but few small businesses can manage total coverage under their budgets. If you need to pick and choose, figure out the areas where trouble is most likely to start and prioritize them for a CCTV camera. Once you know how many cameras you’ll need, you can start looking at receivers.

Choosing a Receiver

Most small businesses today choose PC-based CCTV systems because they can provide a lot of storage space, but DVR-based systems are also popular. Decide how much surveillance footage you want to store and choose a recording method that offers the best solution. Keep in mind that DVR disks occupy far less space than videotapes, and hard drive storage – while limited – can be the best solution of all if your storage space is extremely limited. Consider backup methods, and of course, choose a display or receiver that can handle input from the number of cameras you’ve decided you need.

Resolution and Light

In a performance or entertainment venue, you’ll probably want to choose CCTV camera options with low light or IR recording capabilities. Beyond that, you’ll need to strike a balance between the amount of resolution you need and the size of the files you’ll be saving. Higher resolution gives you more detail, which can be important in your business. On the other hand, high resolution generates very large surveillance files.

Don’t forget to include your outdoor areas when deciding on the number of cameras your CCTV system should have. If you have a parking lot for patrons, it can easily become a magnet for dangerous and even illegal behaviors if you don’t provide a surveillance camera. Finally, if your venue checks IDs at the door, consider CCTV systems that allow you to store still photographs alongside your video data. Capturing ID information at the door can provide proof that your doormen are adequately checking identification if you ever face a challenge to your policies.

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.

How A CCTV System Can Help Protect Your Home and Loved Ones

When most people think of CCTV security systems, they usually imagine the complicated systems used by law enforcement in big cities or by big corporations or retail stores. Those systems can cost tens of thousands of dollars and provide a very specific type of security. They rely upon a manned security office with a person watching the CCTV feed to identify breeches of security. Obviously, those high-end CCTV security systems aren’t for everyone. They’re neither necessary, nor cost effective.

Advances in CCTV technology and security camera technology, however, have brought the prices for video security systems and surveillance cameras within reach of any small business owner and homeowner. If you’ve never considered the ways that a CCTV security system can keep your home and loved ones safer, consider these ideas.

Front Door Security

People who live in condominiums or apartment buildings without a visual security system have no way to determine who is ringing their doorbell without leaving their apartment and going to the door. A CCTV camera and monitor allows tenants to check and see who is at the door before ringing them in or going downstairs and exposing themselves to danger. A wireless security camera system is much easier to install than a wired CCTV system, and is affordable enough for even those individuals who own a three-family home. The added security makes your building safer and adds value to your property.

Remote Surveillance

A recent local news story highlighted another advantage of installing a home security camera. A local businessman had installed an inexpensive security system and a separate surveillance camera in his home. One afternoon when he was at the office, he got a notice that his security system had gone off. Using his web browser, he checked the feed of his security camera and spotted burglars in his living room. He immediately began recording his screen and notified police of the burglary in progress. The police caught the burglars in the act and the video was instrumental in convicting them of the crime.

Outdoor Approaches

A well-placed CCTV camera can keep an eye on your driveway or your backyard, serving as both a deterrent and a protection. A visible security camera is often enough to keep burglars and vandals from targeting a home because few thieves want to risk being caught on camera.

Stories like these are becoming more and more common as homeowners become more aware of how affordable it is to protect your home with a CCTV system. If you haven’t ever considered a surveillance camera or CCTV system, take a closer look at how a little security can make your home a lot safer.