What Type Of Security Camera Is Right For Small Businesses?

A few weeks ago, we talked about Which Type of Security Camera Is Right For You. In the blog post, we discussed several types of security camera surveillance systems.

Today, we thought we’d dive deeper into the security camera conversation and see what type of security camera is right for small businesses. Here are the options:

• Box Security Cameras – These cameras are the larger, bulky cameras hanging in corners of stores. Box security cameras are used as visual theft deterrents.
• Bullet Security Cameras – These cameras are small and have a cylinder shape. These cameras are favored by many small businesses because of their small size.
• Dome Security Cameras – These cameras blend in with the surroundings. Businesses use dome security cameras because no one can tell which way the camera is pointing.

For small businesses, the best business security solution is the domed security camera. There are several reasons why a small business should buy a dome security camera:

1. Dome security cameras are harder to vandalize: Because of its design, these cameras are harder to disable or damage. A vandal will think twice before messing with a dome security camera.
2. It’s harder to tell where the camera is pointing: Because of its black dome, vandals cannot see which way the camera is pointing, making it harder to commit a crime.
3. Dome security cameras seem less intrusive: Because of its design, these cameras do not make customers feel like their every movement is being watched. This creates a better atmosphere for your business.

While dome security cameras are usually the best bet for small businesses, we suggest that you discuss your business security options with a professional. They can help you make sure you are making the right decision.

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$50 Million Art Heist Shows Business Security Importance

How does someone steal a $50 million painting from a museum in Egypt with a security system and 40-plus surveillance cameras?

You would think it involved an elaborate plan like something out of The Thomas Crown Affair or Ocean’s Eleven. But no high-tech gadgets or slight of hand were used to take a priceless Vincent van Gogh painting.

According to the investigation, all it took was sloppy security measures and carelessness from museum employees. Only seven of the 43 security cameras were working and guards neglected to check museum visitors for suspicious activity.

The lessons learned from this embarrassment can be applied to your business security plan:

• Have a good, working business security system
• Invest in reliable camera surveillance systems
• Employ trustworthy, professional employees
• Train employees to notice suspicious activity

Most Importantly: Regularly test your security cameras to ensure they are working properly.

Security cameras do not work forever. Many business owners assume equipment works for years. But without proper maintenance and regular testing these cameras can break down. We recommend testing your cameras on a regular basis.

Because the security guards at the museum were so negligent, police are holding them in jail for neglect and professional delinquency.

Don’t let a faulty security system and employee incompetence threaten the security of your business. Do your homework and find the right business security solutions.

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How To Insure Against Employee Theft

Even with the best employee theft prevention strategies, you’re still not going to stop every instance of theft. No matter how hard you look, someone is always going to be able to escape the system… at least for a little while.

That’s why some larger companies choose to purchase insurance policies called fiduciary bonds.

These policies help eliminate the risk of theft, fraud, embezzlement, bribery, and a number of other issues caused by employee misdeeds.

The system works so that once a company is able to prove that is has suffered losses due to the actions of its employees, the insurer pays the company for the loss and gains the rights to take civil action against the employee.

If the insurance company successfully sues and is rewarded above the policy amount, the company is given any additional amount awarded.

This type of insurance is important for many companies as the misdeeds of employees can lead to expensive liabilities for a company. However, these policies can be expensive and are generally only used by large companies.

For everybody else, business security solutions and a good business security system is more than enough.

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Make Your New House Safe With These Home Security Tips

When you first move into a new house, it’s important that you take steps to make it secure as soon as possible. The longer you wait, there more chance there is of someone breaking in and stealing you belongings.

We’ve compiled this helpful list of things to do when moving into a new house:

• Change The Locks – It’s always a good idea to change the locks (and garage code if you have one) upon moving in to a new home. You never know who was given keys in the past and it’s better safe than sorry.

• Invest In Quality Locks – Since you’re buying new locks anyways, you might as well get good ones. Check with a qualified locksmith to determine the best locks for you.

• Get Extra Security For Your Doors - Use additional deadbolt locks, door strikes, secure door hinges, and sturdy doors to add extra protection to all entrances to your home.

• Install Impact Resistant Glass – A common way for burglars to enter your home is by breaking the glass near a door and reaching their hand in to unlock the door. By using impact resistant glass you can prevent this from happening.

• Reinforce Your Garage – Install locks on the garage door or use only automatic garage door openers so that thieves can’t simply pull the door open.

• Get Your Home Security System Running – A good home security system is a vital part of keeping you safe from burglars. If there is not already a system installed and operating, contact a home alarm system near you to set one up right away.

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Which Type Of Security Camera Is Right For You?

There are many types of security camera surveillance systems and even more different features to choose from when selecting how to prepare your business security solution.

Each camera is meant for different business needs and different circumstances so choosing the right one for your needs is essential. In this article we’ll go through the three most common used cameras so you can get a better understanding of your options.

Box Security Cameras – When most people think of security cameras, this is what they think of first. Generally for indoor use, the bulky cameras are meant to be seen and act as a deterrent to crime. Their biggest strength comes from their ability to magnify details and reach ranges that are not always possible with other cameras. You will most often see these cameras in retail shops and banks.

Bullet Security Cameras – These ultra small cylinder shaped cameras (called lipstick cameras by some) are perfect for small spaces and remaining undetected. Good for indoor and outdoor use, these cameras are used for both home security and business security and many are equipped with excellent infrared capabilities that can see up to 20 ft. in the dark.

Dome Security Cameras – Dome cameras are versatile indoor and outdoor (with weatherproofing) devices that are commonly used to blend in with the surroundings. Domes are frequently tinted so nobody can tell which way the camera is pointing as well as vandalism proofed so they cannot be easily disabled. You generally see these cameras in department stores and indoor malls since they fit with the surrounds and do not make customers uncomfortable.

These three options all come equipped with a number of features that are designed to meet your security needs. Check with your security company to find exactly which camera is best for you.

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Stop Employee Theft By Setting The Right Policies

Setting up official policies to deal with employee theft is vital to combating it effectively. The better designed your theft prevention policies are, the more likely that they will work.

Last week, we defined How To Prevent Employee Theft By Hiring the Right People. However, many more policies are necessary to prevent theft. Here are some of the most important ones:

Employee Education – Explaining what constitutes employee theft, how to stop it, and what procedures must be followed to every employee is a must. By giving the proper training, you turn your employees into your own security team. Make sure that you make education sessions positive and explain how each employee benefits from preventing theft.

Check The Books – Conducting regular audits on areas that are likely to be targeted by theft is an important step to eliminating it all together. Audit every area where money changes hand (purchasing, payroll, sales, etc.) regularly, even if you completely trust the people involved. Make some of these audits random so thieves do not have time to cover their tracks.

Enforce Mandatory Vacations And Job Rotations – Many employee theft schemes are discovered only when an employee takes a sick day and someone else must fill in for them. By enforcing mandatory vacations and occasionally rotating people between departments, you prevent anyone from being able to hide their theft.

Support Employees – While it’s not a valid excuse, many employees feel justified in stealing because they feel the company wronged them. By supporting employees through tough times, treating them kindly and with respect, and setting management practices that encourage overall company profit, you will see a major decrease in theft and an increase in loyalty.

Create Reporting Programs – Make it easy for your employees to report theft and make sure that everyone knows exactly how to do it anonymously. Some companies have even had success offering small rewards to anyone who reports a serious instance of employee theft.

Choose Right Business Security Solution – A good business security system with access codes, alarms, and camera surveillance systems where necessary can make a big difference in stopping employee theft. While it’s not exactly a procedure, it should certainly be part of your security efforts.

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How To Protect Your Home While You’re Away

A burglar’s first priority when casing a new home to burglarize is finding a place where no one is around. They know that if they enter a house that is occupied, there’s a good chance that they will be discovered and reported to the police. Rather than risk it, most have simply learned to spot the signs that no one is home and only go after those houses.

That’s why home burglaries are most likely to occur while you’re on vacation and no one is looking after your house. It’s during these times that newspapers and fliers pile up, nobody checks the mail, and lights never seem to turn on. This serves as a beacon to burglars looking for an easy target.

If you are planning to go on vacation or be away for any other reason, here are some easy steps you can take to make your home more secure:

Tell a Trusted Neighbor – Even if you don’t need anything done, let a neighbor you can trust know you’ll be gone. That way, if they see anything odd around your house they will know to call the police.

Have Mail And Newspapers Picked Up – Pausing your mail or newspaper can be a sure sign to burglars that you’re gone. Instead, have a close friend or trusted neighbor pick them up each day and hold on to them for you until you get back. If you’ll be gone during garbage/recycle pick up, ask them to take your bin to and from the curb also.

Have Your Calls Forwarded – Some crafty burglars will call your home number to check if you’re home. If you can have calls forwarded to your cell, you will make them think you’re home just by picking up the phone.

Get Your Lawn Maintained – People who are gone for long periods of time often forget how quickly their lawn can grow. Have a friend or lawn maintenance company keep your lawn looking good while you’re away.

Keep Your Alarm System Running – Don’t forget that a good home alarm system is your best line of defense against burglars. Before you leave on your trip, make sure that your home security system is in good working order and that you arm it as you leave.

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Things To Consider When Buying Business Security Cameras

When buying security camera surveillance systems, it’s important that you understand exact what you’re getting and why you want it.

Some people have expectations for their camera surveillance systems that are simply not possible or would require a different type of system entirely. To prevent this, everyone should know what their cameras can and cannot do before deciding to buy them.

Know What You Want To Monitor – What areas of your business do you want to monitor with your security camera and how good does the quality need to be? Different cameras are good for different things and selecting the right one can make the difference between an effective system and a useless one.

Understand The Risks of Security Cameras – Security cameras provide an expectation of protection from people entering your business. That’s why fake security cameras can be a legal risk. If people expect protection but don’t get it, your business can suffer the consequences.

Let People Know You’re Monitoring Them – Part of the usefulness of security cameras is that they prevent people from committing crimes because they don’t want to be filmed. Use signs to make sure that your employees and customers are well aware of your security cameras.

Don’t Expect To Record Voices – In most areas, video recording is completely legal but recording conversations without someone’s permission is against the law. That’s why CCTV systems do not offer audio functions.

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How To Prevent Employee Theft By Hiring the Right People

With employee theft estimated to cost U.S. businesses $50 billion annually, it’s become a major problem for this country’s companies. In fact, it is estimated that 33% of all business bankruptcies are a direct result of employee theft.

That’s why taking measures to prevent theft should be a major concern of for every business owner and management team.

Beating employee theft is a battle that must be fought on many levels. Everything from access control systems to full business security solutions can be used with great success. However, the first level, good hiring practices, can significantly decrease the likelihood of problems.

Here are some good hiring practices that you should implement in your business:

• Get The Applicant’s Consent – There are federal and state laws that govern the collection of information about someone you’re looking to hire. It’s important to get written agreement from someone before you take any of the other steps outlined in this post. You’ll also want to check with your lawyer for more precise details.

• Verify Education And Certification Claims – Make sure that your interviewee has attended the school(s) they posted on their resume, and make sure they are in good standing with any organization that they say they are certified by. Remember, just because they had certification at one time, doesn’t mean that their certification hasn’t been revoked.

• Contact Past Employers – Calling past employers is a great way to learn more about a job applicant. Even if they will only give you position and employment dates, their tone often tells a lot about what they really thought.

• Check References – Few employers actually check references and job applicants know this. By actually talking with someone’s references, you’ll learn a lot of valuable information that will help you make a hiring decision.

• Check Criminal Record – Unless you want to hire felons, it’s important that you know that your new employee has a clean criminal record.

• Do A Google Search – These days there’s a lot more on the web than people realize. Enter the candidate’s name into Google and see what pops up. Look for any articles about the person, check their Facebook page, and make sure that he/she looks like a trustable person. Just remember to make sure that any information you gather is actually about the person you’re hiring and not someone else with the same name.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to fighting employee theft. But it’s only a start. A lot of employee theft comes from trusted employees with no record of wrong doing. Stay tuned to our blog to learn more about how you can stop employee theft.

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Home Security Solutions To Prevent Burglary

According to the FBI, someone’s house, apartment, or condo is burglarized every 15 seconds, in the United States.

It’s for that exact reason that so many people choose to purchase a home security system to keep their home and family safe.

However, a security system isn’t the only way to prevent burglary. By combining your home security system with the measures listed here, you’ll increase your chances of stopping burglars from entering your home.

The average criminal is looking for four things when they case a house. Those things are:

Valuable stuff to steal (TVs, Appliances, Jewelry, Etc.).

1. An easy way to enter and exit the house without being seen.
2. Nobody at the home.
3. No active security system.

If they can establish those four things, they will feel comfortable that they can steal your stuff and get away without being caught.

With that in mind, it’s not difficult to set up your home so that it’s not in a criminal’s best interest to target you.

• Make your home look occupied at all times. You can do this by:

• Using automatic timers on lights and radios so they are visible and audible throughout the day while you’re away.

• Make sure your home phone cannot be heard from outside.

• Always park in the garage and leave the garage door closed. This way criminals can’t spot a pattern and figure out when you’re away.

• Leave your valuable belongings out of view and keep windows closed.

• Install motion detector lights and good lighting all around your house.

• Remove or keep all hedges and shrubs well trimmed around your house. This way there will be no place for a burglar to hide.

• Keep your security system active and well maintained at all times.

Don’t forget to consult your home burglar security alarm systems provider for more information.

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