The Security Benefits of Video Surveillance Systems

We all know that camera surveillance systems are aids in helping to prevent shoplifting and catch shoplifters.

According to the National Learning for Shoplifting Prevention, approximately $35 million in goods are stolen each day from stores around the country. Security camera surveillance systems can help cut down on this astronomical number for several reasons:

• Visual Theft Deterrence: Security cameras are great visual theft deterrents.
• Observation & Identification: Security cameras can catch shoplifters in the act.
• Remote Video Management: Security cameras include remote system viewing and management.
• Digital Recording & Storage: It is easy to retrieve images and video from security cameras.

Just scan the news headlines and you’ll see security cameras play a major role in helping to catch shoplifters. Security cameras also help deter employee theft.

In addition to preventing shoplifting, security cameras are great tools to combat vandalism and fraudulent lawsuits.

Vandals will think twice before vandalizing a property with security cameras. Additionally, security camera video can be a helpful tool in defending your business against fraudulent personal injury lawsuits.

Today’s security cameras deliver high-resolution video with sharp images. Additionally, security camera development has made great advances in improving video quality at night when lighting is poor.

Should a crime occur, it is very easy to pull images from today’s surveillance cameras. Most systems allow you to retrieve images by date, time, camera or alarm. Many security camera systems allow you to print images and create evidence CDs on the spot for police.

To find out what surveillance system is right for your business, it is best to consult with a security systems specialist.

Prevent Shoplifting With Mirrors For Added Business Security

With today’s economy, businesses are looking for cost-effective solutions to prevent shoplifting. Surveillance mirrors are one of several cost-effective business security solutions a business or store can use.

With surveillance mirrors, employees can see customer activities from a distance. The shape of the mirror allows employees to see activities from several angles. Surveillance mirrors also serve as a theft deterrent. When potential shoplifters see the mirrors, they know they are being watched.

There are a variety of surveillance mirror options including:

• Convex Mirrors: These rounded mirrors provide views from multiple angles. These mirrors are typically mounted in an upper corner of a store.
• Dome Mirrors: These mirrors are placed on ceilings and allow for a 360-degree perspective.
• Mirror Panels: These mirrors are rectangular panels mounted on ceilings. These mirrors allow for an overhead view.

Before choosing the right surveillance mirror for your business, you will want to consider the following:

• Price: Does the price of the surveillance mirror protect against the loss of stolen goods and items?
• Employees: Are your employees trained to monitor for suspicious activity?
• Atmosphere: Will mirrors make customers feel at ease in your store?

These are just a few things to consider before purchasing surveillance mirrors. Be sure to consider all of your security options before purchasing surveillance mirrors. Camera surveillance systems are another option to consider. When implementing a shoplifting prevention plan, you want to have several tools to help fight against stolen goods and property.

Remember, not to focus on the price tag too much. It’s about security first.

Should You Set Up Surveillance Cameras In Your Home?

More and more homeowners are turning to camera surveillance systems for monitoring and protection. Previously used for business security, surveillance cameras are now popping up in homes.

With surveillance cameras homeowners can keep tabs on potential intruders and unwanted guests. With more and more homeowners using surveillance cameras, should you add a camera to your home security system?

Here are some things to consider:

• What are your security goals?
• Do you want surveillance cameras inside and/or outside your home?
• How much are you willing to invest in surveillance cameras?
• What type of security camera system do you want?

What are your security goals?

When deciding whether or not to purchase surveillance cameras for your home, it is important to first set your security goals.

• Do you plan to use the cameras to protect your home while you’re away?
• Do you plan to use the cameras to monitor guests such as babysitters?

These are just a few questions you should ask yourself, when outlining your security goals.

What type of security camera system do you want?

Based on your security goals, you will be able to decide whether you want cameras inside and/or outside your home. There is no right or wrong answer to this question. It’s all based on your security goals.

How much are you willing to invest in surveillance cameras?

Setting a budget is an important step. Like any responsible homeowner, you don’t want to invest too much or too little in your home security system. We recommend talking with friends, family and home security professionals to find what is right for you.

What type of security camera system do you want?

Once you have a budget, you can then decide what type of security system you want. You will have plenty of options. Decide what is in your price range and what will be best for your family.

Summary

Home surveillance cameras are not for everyone. We recommend discussing your options with family and friends. There are a lot of benefits to using surveillance cameras at your home. It’s all about finding the right comfort level.

Stop Employee Theft By Setting The Right Policies

Setting up official policies to deal with employee theft is very important. One of the biggest threats to your business is employee theft.

The lack of rules and policies can do serious harm to your business. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, employee theft costs businesses more than $50 billion a year. To help your business, here are some of the most important policies:

Employee Education – Explaining what constitutes employee theft, how to stop it, and what procedures must be followed by 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. Regularly audit every area where money changes hands (purchasing, payroll, sales, etc.) even if you completely trust the people involved. Make some of these audits random so employees 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 what they are doing.

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.

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.