Security Cameras: The Best Protection From Theft and Vandalism
It is a fact – security cameras can help protect large and small businesses from theft and vandalism. The Australian Police recommend installing security cameras in both private and public areas of your business.
In the future, security cameras are likely to play an even larger role in business. Smart AI cameras have many features that are useful in more ways than one. Although the main benefit of CCTV cameras is protection, the future of security cameras is even more exciting.
On this page, we are taking a look at how security cameras can help protect your business from theft and vandalism.
How Security Cameras Help to Protect Your Business and Save Money
It does not matter if you operate a business in Australia or Singapore, crime is a priority. One of the best ways you can prevent crime including vandalism and theft is by installing security cameras.
You can buy and install your own cameras, but if you are not sure where to place CCTV cameras, calling in the professionals is a good idea.
How Security Cameras Protect Business From Theft
Security cameras can help to stop in-house and external theft. What do we mean by that?
On occasion, your business will employ a bad apple. He or she may like to help himself to money from your till or steal stock. Security cameras placed in the right locations throughout your business quickly identify the culprit. Cameras also have another advantage. They provide you with evidence.
Shoplifting is a problem in almost all businesses that invite the public in. It is almost impossible for staff to observe everything that goes on in a store or shop. In particular, this is challenging in larger businesses such as warehouses selling DIY.
Security cameras placed in the right locations throughout the business contribute to reducing shoplifting. Once again, you have immediate evidence that a crime has been committed.
Vandalism and Security Cameras
Vandalism may not take place inside your business premises. But, it is fair to say that most business owners are concerned about vandalism.
It is important that vandalism comes in all shapes and sizes. Vandalism involves anything from damaged property to spray painting the walls outside your business.
How much does vandalism cost Australian business owners? The numbers are shocking. Did you know that an estimated $2 billion per year is spent on removing graffiti? That is a staggering number.
Prevention is better than cure. Security cameras in the right location help to stop crime including vandalism caused by graffiti.
Graffiti is not the only form of vandalism. Break-ins and attempted robberies can also result in property damage.
Protecting Your Employees
You may think you already have good protection for your employees and staff. However, crimes such as robberies are becoming increasingly violent.
On the face of it, security cameras may not seem as though they can protect your employees, but they certainly can. Most criminals think twice about robbing a store protected by cameras.
There is also another added benefit. Employees feel more secure and happy in their working environment when they know their employer is taking steps to protect them.
Should You Announce You Have Cameras?
Yes, cameras make it easier to stop crime. But, well-placed CCTV cameras also help to prevent crime.
If you have invested in a security camera system in your store, let the bad guys know. Go into a larger store and see how they deal with it. You will probably notice that they quite prominently announce they have cameras.
Of course, if your store is small, you don’t want security camera signs to dominate. But there is no reason why you should not use them. It is a matter of finding the right balance.
You don’t want your customers to be put off by too many security measures. At the same time, it is important to make sure you get a return on your investment. If you notice crimes such as shoplifting going down, your security system investment is clearly a good idea.
Most honest customers are happy to be on camera. Shoppers and the general public feel more secure when they know a store or shopping centre offers an extra layer of protection.
Setting Up Security Cameras
When it comes to budgeting for security cameras, the sky’s the limit.
Fortunately, thanks to new tech including AI technology, the cost of security is coming down.
Before you buy security cameras, you need to identify vulnerable locations. They do not only include the front of the store. Don’t ignore other areas such as stock rooms and staff rest areas. Unless you provide lockers for staff to put their bags in, you can experience problems with stuff “going missing” from time to time.
This is a hassle that you as a business owner can do without. Simply make sure your staff knows that communal areas are being monitored. Honest staff and employees will not mind at all. But, there is a but.
If you are using security cameras to monitor staff activities, you need to put the right privacy policies in place. Share them with your employees to make sure they don’t feel vulnerable.
Insurance And Security Companies
One of the biggest costs for any business is insurance. Most business owners like to reduce what they pay for insurance.
If your business is located in an area with high crime and vandalism, your insurance costs are higher. There is no doubt about that.
Most insurance companies in Australia offer lower insurance premiums when a business instals security cameras. It is one of the top reasons why businesses in Australia install security systems.
Final Thoughts
When you operate any business with any kind of assets, you need to have some kind of security system. Using CCTV security cameras is one of the most cost-effective ways to prevent theft and vandalism.
Smart AI technology is making monitoring security cameras cheaper and easier. If you are not sure how to approach your own security system setup, speaking to a professional security company is the smart thing to do.
